An image collage of Orji Kalu and Peter Obi

Former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared himself the most important politician from Nigeria’s South-East region, insisting that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, does not hold that position.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, Kalu dismissed Obi’s political influence, claiming that his own record and experience far outweigh those of the former Anambra State governor.

“He (Obi) is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu asserted.
“I have won two states before under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (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.”

The former governor maintained that his political achievements and contributions to national development place him above Obi in regional political relevance.

SAYS AGE WON’T STOP PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION

When asked about his future political plans, Kalu said he would not rule out another presidential bid if given the opportunity, stressing that competence, not age, should determine leadership eligibility.

“If I’m healthy and God gives me life, I can still contest,” he said. “The question is not age; it’s competency. It’s about what is in my brain and what I can deliver.”

ON NNAMDI KANU’S CASE: ‘LET JUDICIARY DO ITS WORK’

Kalu also addressed renewed calls for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, urging restraint among agitators and respect for the rule of law.

He cautioned against making public statements on a matter still before the courts, emphasising that such actions could undermine the judiciary.

“You know this case is before a court of competent jurisdiction. It is not a 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 had discussed Kanu’s case with President Bola Tinubu on multiple occasions but declined to share details of those conversations.

“I have discussed this issue with the President many times. But I cannot tell you what I discussed with him. It’s a privilege for me to have spoken to the President. What matters is that everyone wants a peaceful resolution,” Kalu stated.

CALLS FOR RESPECT FOR COURTS AND RULE OF LAW

Kalu reiterated his faith in the judiciary, describing ongoing efforts for Kanu’s release as “backdoor diplomacy” guided by respect for due process.

“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,” he said.

He further stressed that only the Attorney-General of the Federation has the constitutional authority to discontinue criminal proceedings and urged the public to exercise patience as the courts handle the case.

“Nigerians must respect the decisions of our courts,” Kalu added.