Abia North Senator Orji Kalu has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 enjoys strong backing from both northern and southern Nigeria, saying the opposition parties are not a threat to Tinubu.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, said the ruling All Progressives Congress’ growing coalition across regions signals deep-rooted confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.

“President Tinubu is not just a southern leader. His re-election in 2027 will be supported by both North and South. We’re united in the goal to keep Nigeria whole and thriving,” Kalu said.

He pointed out that the South-East APC caucus, comprising governors and federal lawmakers, was among the first to endorse Tinubu for a second term—well before recent waves of public endorsements.

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“That meeting, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma and co-chaired by the Ebonyi State Governor and the Deputy Speaker, was where the national endorsement truly started,” Kalu noted, proudly pointing to his attire adorned with Tinubu’s campaign insignia.

Kalu dismissed concerns that the growing support is a reaction to the newly announced opposition alliance led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

“We are not losing sleep. The APC has no reason to be afraid.

We are the ruling party and passionate about Nigeria’s progress,” he said.

He described the APC as focused on governance and development, not political distractions. According to him, endorsements for Tinubu reflect appreciation for bold reforms and leadership—not fear of political rivals.

“These endorsements are not about fear. They’re a result of the President’s bold decisions and transformative governance,” Kalu said.

Defending Tinubu’s economic reforms—including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates—Kalu acknowledged the challenges they pose but stressed their long-term benefits.

“As a businessman, I know these are tough but necessary choices. This is the first President to end the era of cheap money. He’s saying, ‘Earn your wealth legitimately.’ That’s real reform,” he said.

On criticisms from the opposition, the former Senate Chief Whip said dissent is expected in a democracy but should not be mistaken for APC’s weakness.

“The opposition has every right to challenge us. But ours is to deliver results, and we are doing just that. In time, Nigerians will come to appreciate the tough choices this administration has made,” he said.

Kalu also addressed Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, describing it as a strategic diplomatic move following a personal invitation from Pope Francis.

“It would have been disrespectful to ignore such an invitation. As a Catholic myself, I know that 1.8 billion Catholics globally, including Nigerians, value that gesture. In 2027, many will remember it,” he added.

Despite economic headwinds, Kalu expressed optimism that Tinubu’s reforms