Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu cannot be defeated in a free and fair election in 2027.
Speaking with Senate correspondents ahead of an abridged plenary on Tuesday, Kalu said the ruling All Progressives Congress continues to expand its political influence across the country.
“I don’t think anyone can defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair election. The APC continues to grow across the country,” he said.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions within opposition circles about forming a possible coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been mentioned as a potential platform involving prominent politicians such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi.
Kalu noted that although the combined votes of Obi, Atiku and Kwankwaso in the 2023 election exceeded Tinubu’s total, the APC has since strengthened its position, with support from 31 state governors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also dismissed allegations that the APC is interfering in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, insisting that the electoral body remains independent.
“The APC has nothing to do with INEC. It is an independent body, and we have a lot of respect for its leadership. Nigerians should take democracy seriously instead of making baseless allegations,” he said.
The senator criticised claims by opposition parties that the ruling party is influencing defections, saying political decisions are based on personal choice.
“If a governor decides to join the APC, that is his business. Nobody is forcing anybody. It is about negotiation and choice,” he added.
On speculations about zoning of the Senate Presidency to the South-East ahead of 2027, Kalu said such decisions rest solely with party leadership and not individual ambition.
“It is for the party leadership to decide. If anything is given to me, I will accept, but I am not seeking any position,” he said.
Addressing concerns about marginalisation of the South-East, Kalu dismissed such claims, stating that successive governments, including that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, had contributed to development in the region.
On the economy, he acknowledged improvements at the macro level but said challenges persist at the grassroots due to insecurity and structural issues.
“There is progress at the top level, with increased investor confidence, but challenges remain at the lower level. Economic reforms are gradual,” he said.
The general elections are scheduled for January and February 2027.
