2027: South-East have reached consensus to back Tinubu – Orji Uzor Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has declared that the South-East geopolitical zone has agreed to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Kalu, a former Abia State governor, made this known in Abuja during a meeting of Abia All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders held at his residence over the weekend.

He emphasized that APC members in Abia State have resolved to set aside internal disagreements and unite in a common goal to deliver President Tinubu for a second term and also wrest control of the state government from Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party.

Dignitaries at the meeting included APC National Welfare Secretary Donatus Nwankpa; Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; former Finance Commissioner Obinna Oriaku; and several party chieftains such as Ndukwe Adindu, Sam Ikiri, Mike Nwabara, Anyim Nyerere, Nze Esiaga, Chidi Maduekwe, Ndukwe Maxwell, Nnanna Kalu, and Emeka Atuma.

Kalu told journalists that President Tinubu had directed party leaders to reconcile and strengthen APC structures in their various states, especially Abia.

“We are more united now than ever,” Kalu said. “President Tinubu gave us a directive at the last APC NEC meeting to reconcile party members. He knows we can do it, and we are appealing to our people to join us so they too can benefit from the federal presence.”

Citing federal government projects in Abia North as examples of such benefits, Kalu expressed gratitude to both President Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, for prioritizing development in the zone.

According to him, Tinubu had expressed dissatisfaction with the political fragmentation in Abia State and tasked APC leaders with restoring unity.

“The president knows we the leaders of Abia are capable. Nobody will be left out in the reconciliation process. We are in government now, and anyone who refuses to identify with us might regret it,” he said.

Kalu stressed the importance of aligning with the central government to enjoy the full benefits of governance. He also reaffirmed his credibility and track record, boasting of his performance as both governor and senator.

“I have always enjoyed the confidence of the people. I’ve never deceived Abians,” he said. “Whoever we present as a candidate—from the House of Assembly to the presidency—will be credible.”

The senator added that beyond Abia, the entire South-East region is gradually building momentum in favour of Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.

“The consensus of the South-East is to support Tinubu in 2027. Mark my words,” Kalu stated. “I have the president’s blessing to meet with all governors in the South-East and beyond. We are executing the plan.”

He concluded by describing the 1999 set of governors, which includes himself and Tinubu, as a class of “tough and effective leaders” capable of delivering results.