Kalu Predicts Landslide Victory for Tinubu in 2027

Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will win by a landslide in the 2027 presidential election. Kalu made this statement during an appearance on Arise PrimeTime, a flagship evening current affairs program of Arise News Television. He defended Tinubu's economic reforms, stating that Nigeria's economy has stabilized. According to Kalu, the President has successfully stabilized Nigeria's economy at the macroeconomic level.

However, Kalu acknowledged that more work remains to improve conditions at the household and business levels. He argued that the immediate challenge before the administration is translating macroeconomic stability into tangible economic growth, increased manufacturing capacity, employment opportunities, and improved living conditions. Kalu emphasized that the administration's next priority should be restoring agricultural production, improving security, and creating an environment in which manufacturers can access raw materials and operate at higher production capacity.

Kalu credited Tinubu with improving Nigeria's international economic relationships, arguing that the country is increasingly attracting the attention of international investors. He acknowledged the difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians but insisted that the country is beginning to experience greater economic predictability. Kalu maintained that economic reforms inevitably come with temporary difficulties. He expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure another mandate, describing the opposition as politically disorganized.

The Senator attributed the APC's electoral strength to its broad political structure and substantial grassroots support across the country. He claimed that the party enjoys huge numbers of people supporting it, contrary to what is seen on social media. Kalu stated that APC legislators and other political stakeholders are already working towards consolidating the party's electoral strength in their respective constituencies to ensure Tinubu's re-election.

Kalu made a passionate appeal for political stability, emphasizing the importance of unity in the country. He urged Nigerians to assess the administration's economic policies against the long-term objective of rebuilding the economy rather than the immediate discomfort associated with the reforms. According to Kalu, one cannot implement reforms without people suffering, at least temporarily.

Addressing questions surrounding his political relationship with the Igbo political establishment, Kalu maintained that his political decisions are guided by his assessment of national development and party loyalty rather than ethnic sentiments. He explained that his decision to remain in the All Progressives Congress is driven by his commitment to the party and the country's development.

Kalu concluded by urging Nigerians to allow President Tinubu to complete his eight-year term, just as they did with former President Muhammadu Buhari. He emphasized that the unity of the country is crucial and should not be questioned.

Key points

• Orji Uzor Kalu predicts a landslide victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
• Kalu defends Tinubu's economic reforms, citing macroeconomic stability.
• The Senator appeals for political stability and urges Nigerians to prioritize long-term economic growth over immediate discomfort.