Orji Uzor Kalu supports Tinubu’s second term, dismisses chances of Igbo presidency in 2023, stressing need for a candidate accepted by all Nigerians

In a recent interview on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, Orji Uzor Kalu, the former Governor of Abia State and current Senator for Abia North, clarified his stance on the possibility of an Igbo presidency.

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Kalu ruled out the chances of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, the presidential candidate from the South East, clinching the 2023 presidential election, and instead expressed his full support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Kalu, who served as the Chief Whip of the Senate, stated firmly that while he sees the need for an Igbo presidency, it cannot be realised by any candidate who lacks broad national acceptance.

“I am not going to discuss anything about the Igbo presidency. But I still tell you there is a need for it,” Kalu said, acknowledging the desire for an Igbo leader at the top. However, he emphasised that any such candidate must be one that is widely acceptable across all regions of Nigeria.

He noted that it was critical for the South East to present a candidate who could win the support of Nigerians from all walks of life, rather than relying solely on regional backing.

“The Igbo must present an acceptable candidate to all Nigerians. No one zone can make a president. President Tinubu was not elected by the Yoruba. He was elected by all Nigerians,” Kalu added.

When asked about the prospect of an Igbo presidency, Kalu refrained from providing a direct answer, but instead, he strongly reiterated his endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership.

“Well, in our party, we have only one presidential candidate now. And Tinubu has to do eight years. It’s a must,” Kalu affirmed, reiterating that President Tinubu’s economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results.

Kalu expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to steer the country through difficult times, stating, “You can see the repairs he has done to the economy and things are starting to pick up again.”

He underscored that the President was not consumed by political ambition, pointing out that Tinubu had never expressed any intention to seek re-election. However, as a party, Kalu confirmed that the National Executive Council (NEC) has officially given the President a vote of confidence to run again.

“The repairs are ongoing,” Kalu said, adding that significant progress could not be expected overnight. The Senator’s comments have provided further clarity on his political alignment, especially in light of ongoing debates about the future of the South East region within Nigeria’s broader political landscape.