Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has claimed that he played a major financial role in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), funding meetings, aircraft operations and other logistics, but was later sidelined by the party he helped establish.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday, Kalu said he contributed substantial resources to support the PDP's formation and Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.
According to the former Abia State governor, several influential figures also made financial contributions to the party, including the current Vice President, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and retired General Theophilus Danjuma. However, he maintained that he was responsible for much of the operational funding during the party’s formative years.
Kalu said his support covered expenses for meetings, air transportation and allowances for party activities, describing his contributions as crucial to the PDP’s establishment.
The senator expressed disappointment over what he described as betrayal by the party after his investments of time, money and resources. He argued that becoming governor on the party’s platform did not adequately compensate for what he had contributed.
“Governor means nothing for what I gave to them,” he said, insisting that his role in helping create the party outweighed any benefits he later received from political office.
Kalu also claimed that he provided financial support to former President Olusegun Obasanjo following his release from prison. According to him, he accommodated Obasanjo at his Victoria Island residence and funded his travel arrangements, including hiring and providing aircraft for his movements.
The lawmaker alleged that his political involvement ultimately harmed his business interests, claiming that some of his enterprises suffered significant setbacks as a result of his participation in politics.
Kalu, who governed Abia State between 1999 and 2007, has previously made similar claims about financing the PDP and supporting Obasanjo’s 1998 presidential campaign. He also reiterated past allegations that the party later took over some of his business assets, including his bank, airline and oil licence.
During the interview, the senator spoke about his long-standing relationship with former military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, describing him as a mentor whom he continues to respect. He denied receiving direct financial benefits from the relationship, stating instead that it provided him with friendship and guidance.
The remarks add to ongoing discussions about the role played by key political figures and financiers in the emergence of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and the formation of one of the country’s most influential political parties.
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