Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and representative of Abia North has dismissed calls from the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) to run for president in 2027.
The NYLF, a coalition of 40 youth groups, urged Kalu to contest with either Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal or Adamawa State Governor Umar Fintiri as his running mate.
The appeal came after a courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Obasanjo was named the group’s patron.
During the visit, NYLF President Comrade Eliot Afiyo listed Kalu and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as the coalition’s preferred choices, suggesting Governors Lawal and Fintiri as vice-presidential options.
However, in a statement signed by his media aide, George Maduka, Kalu rejected any presidential ambition, maintaining that his stance on 2027 remains unchanged. He also warned against political distractions, particularly from opposition groups.
Kalu reaffirmed that there is no dispute within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over its 2027 presidential candidate and urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms.
“Senator Kalu has the right to decide what office he should be considered for, and the presidency in 2027 is not among them. He has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election and remains committed to supporting his administration.”
Kalu firmly believes in Tinubu’s economic reforms, emphasizing the need for long-term stability, inclusivity, and adaptability. He asserts that Tinubu requires the full eight years to implement these changes successfully.”
“The former governor has immense respect for Tinubu, a friendship that predates their time as governors in 1999. He stands by his decision to support Tinubu and will continue to back his bold economic policies.”
“Kalu believes Nigeria’s prosperity hinges on these reforms. Since independence, no leader has had the courage to tackle the country’s economic decline as Tinubu has. Given this, Kalu insists that the best course for Nigerians is to support the president and re-elect him in 2027 to complete his work.”
