…backs Trump on killings, insists U.S. targeting jihadists, not Tinubu
Senate Committee Chairman on South East Development Commission (SEDC) and former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unbeatable in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that no opposition party or candidate poses any real threat to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly on Tuesday, the Abia North Senator described the coming presidential race as “Tinubu versus Tinubu,” arguing that the President’s policies are already stabilising the economy and strengthening national security.
“Has he gotten anyone contesting against him? The election is Tinubu vs Tinubu, just like Soludo vs Soludo,” Kalu said.
“Our party is on the ground across Nigeria and fully with the people. We will continue to support the President to make life better for the masses.”
Kalu, who also served as Chief Whip in the 9th Senate, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to back the President’s economic recovery efforts through legislation tailored to reduce hardship and promote growth.
“Whatever the problem, the Senate is focused on making laws that will help President Tinubu overcome economic challenges. We want Nigerians to eat three times a day,” he added.
Reacting to comments credited to U.S. President Donald Trump on killings in Nigeria, Kalu said Trump “told the truth,” noting that the violence has affected both Christians and Muslims and must be confronted without religious bias.
He said, “If it’s a lie, then what’s the truth? Nigerians are being killed, Christians and Muslims alike.
“There are jihadists who want to destroy Nigeria. We must blacklist them without pity and smoke them out.”
The senator disclosed that he had previously discussed Nigeria’s security situation with two former U.S. Presidents and six sitting U.S. Senators, who expressed readiness to assist Nigeria in combating terrorism.
Kalu suggested that recent airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force may have benefited from U.S. intelligence support.
He said, “Before Trump speaks, the American intelligence community must have verified their information. You can see that our Air Force is already acting, possibly with shared intelligence from the U.S. That’s how it should be.”
While describing himself as “pro-America,” Kalu blamed much of Africa’s instability on the U.S.-led invasions of Libya and Iraq, which he said unleashed arms proliferation across the continent.
“When you killed Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein, it became a problem. They maintained their borders. After their deaths, arms spilled all over the world, we’re suffering from it today,” he said.
He dismissed claims that the U.S. was targeting President Tinubu’s administration, clarifying that Washington’s concern is focused on terrorist networks, not the Nigerian government.
“Political opponents think the U.S. is after Tinubu’s government — No! They’re going after the jihadists,” Kalu said.
Responding to rumours that Abia State Governor Alex Otti may defect from the Labour Party to the APC, Kalu said neither President Tinubu nor any APC leader has pressured anyone to join the ruling party.
He said, “Nobody is forcing anyone to join. I’ve met my governor, he’s my brother and used to be my banker.
“Whether he joins or not is up to him. But as for me, I’ll work 100 per cent for APC and ensure victory for President Tinubu and all our candidates.”
Kalu also predicted that Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo would eventually join the APC.
“Soludo is a progressive like myself, President Tinubu, and Senate President Akpabio. He has no alternative but to come home, it’s confirmed,” he said.
On the economy, Kalu admitted that while Nigerians are going through tough times, the country’s macroeconomic indicators are gradually improving.
“As a businessman, I feel the pain too. The macro economy is doing well; the micro is still struggling. Foreign investors are coming, but the benefits must reach the people,” he said.
He assured that both the President and the Senate are working tirelessly to revive agriculture and restore food security.
“President Tinubu has put his life into revamping the economy. The Senate is doing its best to ensure Nigerians feel the progress,” he said.
Addressing reports of an alleged plot to unseat the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Kalu dismissed it as a mere internal disagreement.
“There were attempts, but we didn’t allow that to happen. We are one big family, and it’s not going to happen,” he said.
