Former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared himself the most important politician from the South-East region, insisting that his political influence and achievements far outweigh those of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu dismissed Obi’s political relevance in the region, maintaining that his own political record speaks for itself.
“He (Obi) is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu stated confidently.
“I have won two states before under the PPA. I ran for president before — my 4.9 million votes in 2007 are still there. We achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, ambassadors, and other appointments under President Yar’Adua.”
On his future political ambitions, the former governor said age would not deter him from contesting for president again if given the opportunity.
“If I’m healthy and God gives me life, I can still contest. The question is not age, it’s competency. It’s about what is in my brain and what I can deliver,” he said, citing former U.S. President Donald Trump as an example of a leader who defied age barriers.
When asked if he believed Igbos should unite behind Peter Obi ahead of future elections, Kalu avoided a direct endorsement, reiterating his stance on his own seniority and achievements in politics.
Turning to the agitation for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kalu cautioned against making public statements on a matter still before the courts.
“You know this case is before a court of competent jurisdiction. It is not a very good thing for me to come out openly to start canvassing my opinion without knowing the position of the court or that of the President. The President is watching the judiciary closely,” he said.
The senator revealed that he has held private discussions with President Bola Tinubu regarding Kanu’s case but declined to disclose details.
“I have discussed this issue with the President many times. But I cannot tell you what I discussed with him. What matters is that everyone wants a peaceful resolution,” Kalu added.
He urged respect for the judiciary and warned against public pressure on judges handling the matter.
“All of us are doing what I call backdoor diplomacy because of the utmost respect I have for the judiciary. We must not make Justice Nyako or any judge look like a fool by discussing this case publicly. Nigerians must respect the decisions of our courts,” he said.
Kalu stressed that only the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has the legal authority to discontinue the case, calling for patience and restraint among those demanding Kanu’s immediate release.
