…backs U.S. President Donald Trump on security support for Nigeria
…speaks on Senate President’s leadership and calls for national unity*
Former Abia State Governor and Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, says the 2027 presidential election is already taking shape — and, in his view, it is a contest President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is positioned to dominate. Kalu stated this in an exclusive interview where he spoke on politics, national security, the legislature, and Nigeria’s future.
“2027 Is Tinubu vs. Tinubu”
Q: Distinguished Senator, there is already growing discussion about the 2027 presidential election. What is your position?
Kalu: Nigeria is a democratic country, and everyone has the right to aspire. But if we are being honest, 2027 is an election between Tinubu and Tinubu. The President has the strongest political structure in the country today. His network, experience, and national reach are unmatched. Even those who criticize him secretly know he is the frontrunner. So, in my view, 2027 is already defined — it is Tinubu versus Tinubu.
Opposition Not Structurally Ready
Q: Some people believe the opposition may present a strong challenge. Do you agree?
Kalu: The opposition is not structured enough to challenge the ruling party at the moment. Elections are not won on social media; they are won through ground mobilization, capacity, and unity. President Tinubu has these advantages. He is also performing, despite the challenges. Nigerians will see more results as reforms begin to yield benefits. So I don’t see any serious contender that can shake him in 2027.
“Tinubu is Laying the Foundation”
Q: You mentioned performance. What areas do you believe the President is getting right?
Kalu: Infrastructure, economic reforms, and international relations. People often forget that the President met a very fragile economy. He is trying to stabilize it. Leadership is about courage, and he has shown courage. When the foundation is strong, the building will stand. Tinubu is laying that foundation.
Kalu also referenced the administration’s efforts to revive infrastructure projects, stabilize the foreign exchange market, and deepen global partnerships, noting that reforms typically require time to show full impact.
ON SECURITY AND DONALD TRUMP
“If Trump Wants to Help Nigeria, We Should Welcome It”
Q: There are reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has shown willingness to support Nigeria on security matters. What is your reaction?
Kalu: I support it 100%. Security is not an ego issue; it is a survival issue. If the United States, under President Donald Trump, is ready to help Nigeria tackle insecurity, we should welcome it.
No nation fights terrorism alone. Look at how the U.S. collaborates with many countries. So if President Trump wants to intervene positively, we should engage him. Nigeria needs intelligence support, equipment, and training. International partnership is not a sign of weakness; it is good governance.
He urged the Nigerian government to embrace any opportunity that strengthens security operations and protects citizens.
ON THE SENATE PRESIDENT
“His Leadership Is Calm, Mature, and Unifying”
Q: How would you assess the leadership of the Senate President?
Kalu: The Senate President is doing extremely well. His leadership style is calm, mature, stable, and unifying. He has managed the Senate with wisdom and diplomacy. You cannot lead the Nigerian Senate with arrogance. You need patience and temperament — and he has both. The Senate is peaceful today because the leadership is focused and patriotic.
Let me say this: the Senate President has created an environment where lawmakers can work together despite political differences. That stability is helping our democracy.
Legislature Is Supporting National Progress
Q: Do you think the National Assembly is doing enough to support the executive?
Kalu: Absolutely. The legislature cannot afford to be hostile; it must be cooperative but independent. What we are doing is supporting the executive where necessary and questioning where needed. The goal is national progress, not political fights. A mature democracy requires balance, and that is what we are practicing.
ON NATIONAL UNITY
“Politics Will Come and Go, But Nigeria Remains”
Q: What message do you have for Nigerians as the nation moves toward 2027?
Kalu: My message is simple: let us prioritize peace and unity. Politics will come and go, but Nigeria remains. We must avoid heating up the polity unnecessarily. Support good policies, criticize constructively, and focus on national development. Our strength lies in staying united.
Kalu urged political leaders, citizens, and institutions to place national interest above partisan rivalry, warning that division benefits no one.
By Chief Edet Isong