NIGERIA – Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has said that his public support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 was not driven by personal ambition or political sycophancy.
Speaking during a live appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Monday night, Kalu addressed recent public backlash over his outfit, worn during a Senate plenary, boldly inscribed with “Tinubu for President 2027.” Addressing the backlash, he said there was nothing unusual about his attire.
“Who else would have made that dress other than Aba tailors? It was made in Aba, dyed in Aba and delivered in Aba. It is only Aba people who are hardworking that can do it,” he said. “It’s very fashionable and I will wear it again.”
Responding to accusations that his outfit was a form of sycophancy, Kalu replied, “Can a man like me be sycophantic? I am not running for anything. Where am I running to? I’m only running to return to the Senate.
“It’s not political sycophancy. I am a man that can’t be sycophantic. It is a uniform for 2027.”
When reminded by the TV show anchor that he wore the outfit in 2025, Kalu replied, “Sure, my house manager just made it available that morning and I wore it. I don’t see anything wrong in wearing it. It’s you press people that saw something wrong. INEC has lifted the ban on campaign, but we are preparing.”
Asked whether he is now the unofficial campaign manager of President Tinubu, Kalu said: “What is wrong with that? I will be very happy to accept it and do the job for him. I don’t have anything to regret in doing the job.”
On the issue of a Southern candidate seeking re-election, he emphasised national unity over regional identity: “President Tinubu is not the President of the South but the candidate of Nigeria, and I am a Nigerian.
“I have always say this, every Nigerian should stop addressing himself or herself by region. I have asked for legislation where I suggested we remove all local government and state information on forms; people should only fill that they are Nigerians,” he said.
When asked whether it is insensitive for politicians to already be speaking about 2027 elections, especially after he publicly endorsed Tinubu, the Abia Senator defended his party’s political activity.
“We are a political party and there must be activities of a political party. We had a midterm assessment of our party where the whole party stakeholders gathered.
“I was in the Senate to do my legislative job, and the journalists ran over me. It’s my dress and I have the right to wear anything I like. There is freedom of association and freedom of speech. I also have the right to say what I want to say.”
The interview also touched on his recent controversial remarks about Nigerians and the economy. Responding to criticism that he accused Nigerians of depending on “easy money”, Kalu said, “I’m not regretting what I said. I work hard for every penny. Most rich people are waiting on these beds to take money from subsidies and sell dollars. These are what they have been doing. But it’s not about all Nigerians; I said most Nigerians not all.”
He added: “People fighting Tinubu are those that speculate from the dollars. They lie on their bed, they collect dollars for ₦100 and make ₦500 on top of the dollar.
“The removal of the subsidy affected me because I have two tank farms. So Tinubu made the best decision to stop the subsidy for the money to go to the rightful owners, which is the people.”
Highlighting his role in job creation, he said, “I think about the people more than most of those attacking me. They have money, but they can’t build any industry in Nigeria.
“I still have about 14,000 Nigerian employees on my payroll today, and I’m building more industries to employ more. When I speak the truth, you know I don’t bend my words. I’m not a politician in the first instance I just found myself doing this.”
He also revealed the role he played in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that he was a major financier of the party in its early days.
“I have never benefited from the government. I brought the money used to form the PDP. Ask any PDP member in 1998 and 1999. I am the biggest importer of rice, sugar, and other confectioneries.
“I was a petroleum dealer. At my early age, I brought my personal money to fund the PDP. I gave former President Obasanjo over $1 million to campaign with and the party over ₦500 million to start the party because they were looking for money.
“The only few people who could have brought money were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and TY Danjuma. Others had no money.”
Asked whether he regretted forming the PDP, Kalu said he does not hold grudges: “I am not quarrelling with Obasanjo. He is a friend of the family, and I don’t quarrel with anybody. Nigerians must come together. What we need is to build a vibrant economy.
By Damilola Adeleke | June 3, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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