Orji Kalu vs. Tinubu? Ex-Senate Chief Speaks On 2027 Presidential Race Amid Rising Support

The NYLF, a coalition of 40 affiliated groups, made the appeal after a visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The group’s leader, Comrade Eliot Afiyo, identified Obasanjo as their patron and named Kalu and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as their top choices for the next election. They also suggested Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Adamawa State Governor Umar Fintiri as potential running mates.

However, in a statement released on Thursday through his media office and signed by George Maduka, Senator Kalu firmly denied any presidential ambitions. He reiterated his strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and dismissed any speculation of division within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its presidential ticket.

The statement read: “Nigeria’s political system allows every citizen the right to vote and be voted for. Senator Kalu has the right to determine the position he aspires to, but the presidency in 2027 is not one of them. He has publicly endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election and remains committed to supporting him.”

Kalu praised Tinubu’s economic policies, emphasizing that meaningful stability and reforms require a full two-term presidency.

“Since Nigeria’s return to democracy, no leader has taken bold steps to reform the declining economy like President Tinubu. Kalu believes the best course of action for Nigerians is to support and re-elect him in 2027 to complete the good work he has started.”

The former Abia State governor also highlighted his long-standing relationship with Tinubu, dating back to their tenure as governors in 1999, and reaffirmed his commitment to the President’s progressive economic agenda.