Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, are influencing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday as plenary resumed after
the Easter break, Kalu said INEC operates independently under the chairmanship
of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, without interference from any arm of government.
The Abia North senator described the opposition’s
allegation, pushed mainly by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as
frivolous and damaging to Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. INEC is an
independent body, and we have a lot of respect for the chairman of INEC. He is
an erudite Professor of Law.
“So, let us stop this frivolity. People should take the
electoral process and democracy seriously instead of de-marketing the country,”
he said.
Kalu, a former Senate Chief Whip, also rejected suggestions
that the ruling party is coercing governors and other politicians to defect to
the APC, saying that party membership remains a matter of personal choice and
negotiation.
“President Tinubu has never begged anybody to leave his
party or to join our party. If a governor decides to join the APC, that is his
business.
“When you come, we negotiate; if it is good, you stay; if
not, you go your way. Nobody is forcing anybody,” he explained.
He urged political actors to strengthen democratic
institutions and offer credible policy alternatives rather than “unproductive
criticism.”
Kalu further dismissed claims that the South East is
marginalised under the APC government, arguing that both the late President
Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu have contributed to national development,
including in the South East.
“Every President has something to add. Buhari has
contributed his quota, Tinubu is contributing his quota. We are getting what we
are supposed to get… maybe even more today. That does not mean Buhari did not
do well,” he said.
Assessing Tinubu’s reform agenda, he said macroeconomic
indicators show progress, but challenges persist at the grassroots due to
insecurity and sabotage.
“The upper end of the reform is working… investors are
coming in. But the lower end has problems because of insecurity and sabotage.
Reforms take time; they don’t happen in one day,” he added, citing long-term
reform paths in China and Singapore.
Kalu expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects
in 2027, describing the opposition as weak and lacking viable alternatives.
“I don’t think anybody will defeat President Tinubu in a
free and fair election. APC is like a moving train. Even in places that were
not APC before, people are joining. We are rocking like a hurricane,” he
declared.
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