**Says 2027 Will Be ‘Tinubu vs Tinubu’ as Senate Unites Behind President
Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has backed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on religious killings in Nigeria, describing them as “the blunt truth that should jolt the nation into action.”
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Kalu said Trump’s concerns about violence in Nigeria were valid, noting that both Christians and Muslims have become victims of extremist attacks.
“Let’s be honest — what Donald Trump said is not a lie,” Kalu declared. “In Plateau, victims are mostly Christians; in Zamfara, they are Muslims. These killers are terrorists who want to destroy Nigeria, and we must call them by their name.”
Kalu revealed that he had spoken with two former American presidents — one Democrat and one Republican — and over 60 U.S. lawmakers, all expressing willingness to support Nigeria’s anti-terror fight.
He noted that recent intensified air operations by the Nigerian Air Force might have benefited from U.S. intelligence collaboration.
“Before Trump spoke, American intelligence must have confirmed the facts. The U.S. President doesn’t speak carelessly,” he said.
While blaming the U.S. for destabilizing Africa through the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein, Kalu maintained that Washington still has a moral responsibility to help restore regional stability.
“America partly created this problem when it toppled Gaddafi and Saddam. But as leader of the free world, the U.S. still has a role to play in helping us fix it,” he added.
Kalu praised President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for showing commitment to ending terrorism, urging Nigerians and the media to help expose extremist networks.
“When I was governor, we used the Bakassi Boys to fight criminals. The same logic applies, terrorists must be crushed, not pitied,” he said.
Kalu dismissed speculation about moves to unseat the Senate President, insisting that the Red Chamber remains united and focused on supporting President Tinubu’s economic recovery plans.
“There were rumours at the beginning, but now everything is calm,” he said. “The Senate is focused on laws that will help President Tinubu tackle the economy and improve people’s lives. We’re one big family.”
He stressed that the priority was to ensure every Nigerian can “eat three times a day” as reforms begin to take root.
Addressing speculation about political realignments, Kalu said no senator or governor was being coerced to join the APC.
“Nobody is forced — not by me, not by the Senate President, not by the President,” he stated. “But I work 100% for the APC and will campaign for every APC candidate.”
He predicted that Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo would eventually join the APC once legal disputes are settled, describing him as a “natural progressive.”
On the 2027 presidential race, Kalu dismissed the opposition as disorganized:
“The 2027 election will be Tinubu versus Tinubu. There’s no cohesive opposition. The APC is strong, focused, and with the people.”
Kalu acknowledged the hardship Nigerians face but expressed optimism that Tinubu’s reforms will yield results.
“As a businessman, I feel the pain but also see the progress,” he said. “The macro indicators are improving — investors are coming — but the challenge is ensuring relief reaches the masses. President Tinubu is working hard, and the Senate is solidly behind him.”
