Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has dismissed allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is manipulating the electoral system to weaken opposition parties, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains independent and deserving of public trust.
Kalu made the remarks on Monday while addressing journalists at the National Assembly lobby in Abuja during events marking his 66th birthday. He described accusations from opposition groups, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as “frivolous” and damaging to Nigeria’s democratic reputation.
According to Kalu, the APC has no influence over INEC, which he said operates autonomously under its leadership. “The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. INEC is an independent body, and we have a lot of respect for the Chairman of INEC. Let us stop this frivolity. People should take democracy seriously instead of de-marketing the country,” Kalu said.
He also rejected claims that the ruling party is pressuring politicians—particularly governors—to defect to its ranks. Kalu emphasized that political alignment remains a personal decision, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not coerce anyone into joining the APC. “President Tinubu has never begged anybody to leave his party or to join our party. If a governor decides to join APC, that is his business. Nobody is forcing anybody,” he stated.
On speculations ahead of the 2027 elections, including possible zoning of the Senate Presidency to the South East, Kalu said he was unaware of any such arrangement, stressing that such decisions lie solely with party leadership. While he did not rule out future ambitions, he maintained that he is not actively seeking any position.
Addressing concerns raised by some members of the 1999 class of governors over alleged marginalisation, Kalu downplayed the issue, saying President Tinubu maintains cordial relationships with his peers. He pointed to recent engagements between the President and former governors as evidence.
On regional development, Kalu cautioned against narratives suggesting that the South East has been sidelined under successive administrations. He noted that both the late Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu have made contributions to national growth, including in the region. “Every President has something to add. Buhari contributed his quota, Tinubu is contributing his. We are getting what we are supposed to get—maybe even more today,” he said.
Speaking on the economy, Kalu acknowledged that while reforms under the Tinubu administration are yielding results at the macro level, challenges persist at the grassroots due to insecurity and other disruptions. “The upper end of the reform is working; investors are coming in. But the lower end has problems because of insecurity and sabotage. Reforms take time,” he explained.
Looking ahead to 2027, Kalu expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances of re-election, describing the opposition as weak and lacking viable alternatives. He argued that the APC’s expanding membership and national reach position it strongly for the next electoral cycle. “I don’t think anybody will defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair election. APC is like a moving train… we are rocking like a hurricane,” he declared.
Kalu however urged political actors to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and offering credible policy alternatives, rather than engaging in what he termed unproductive criticism.
