By Abbanobi-Eku Onyeka
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North and former Chief Whip of the Senate, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the candidate to beat in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the administration has succeeded in stabilising Nigeria’s macroeconomy despite the economic hardship being experienced by many citizens.
Kalu made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he defended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and dismissed suggestions of a rift between the President and the Catholic Church.
Addressing concerns over the country’s economic challenges, the senator said Nigeria’s difficulties should be viewed within the context of global economic disruptions, citing the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to international shipping routes.
According to him, countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are also facing economic headwinds, stressing that Nigeria is not immune to global shocks.
Kalu acknowledged that the previous APC administration relied on the Ways and Means facility to print money but said the National Assembly had cautioned against the practice, adding that the Tinubu administration had since discontinued the policy.
He maintained that while the country’s macroeconomic indicators have improved, ordinary Nigerians are yet to fully feel the benefits of the reforms.
“The macro side of the economy has been stabilised. The exchange rate is stabilising, fuel prices are stabilising, foreign direct investments are coming in and confidence is gradually returning,” he said.
However, he admitted that the microeconomy remains under pressure.
“As a businessman, I manufacture goods and I know the micro economy is not doing well. President Tinubu himself knows Nigerians are suffering,” Kalu stated.
The lawmaker attributed the challenges facing households largely to insecurity, saying banditry has prevented many farmers from cultivating their farms, resulting in reduced food production and rising food prices. He expressed confidence that ongoing security operations would restore farming activities and improve living conditions.
On comments by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Kalu defended both the Church and President Tinubu, saying the bishops were fulfilling their role as the moral conscience of the nation.
“The Catholic Bishops were right. If they had said anything less, they would no longer be the conscience of this country,” he said.
He also rejected calls for the Presidency to apologise over remarks made by presidential aides, insisting that President Tinubu had done nothing warranting an apology.
“The President did not say anything that requires an apology. If President Tinubu ever disrespects the Catholic Church, I will resign from the APC,” he declared.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Kalu rated the Tinubu administration’s performance at 65 per cent, expressing optimism that it could rise to 70 per cent before the end of the year.
He argued that the opposition remains too fragmented to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) and pledged that the ruling party would campaign vigorously for Tinubu’s re-election.
