Senator Orji Kalu Distances Himself from Coalition Plans, Backs Tinubu-Otti Partnership

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has distanced himself from opposition coalition talks, emphasizing his support for unity between Tinubu and Otti.

He reaffirmed loyalty to the APC, dismissing political rivalry and backing national stability over partisan alignments ahead of 2027.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, has made it clear that he is not part of the ongoing talks by opposition parties aimed at forming a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The former Abia State governor voiced his position during a courtesy visit to the current Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

During his meeting with Governor Otti, Senator Kalu emphasized that his focus is not on political coalitions or opposition maneuvering. Instead, he said his main interest is fostering mutual cooperation between President Tinubu and Governor Otti for the benefit of both the state and the country at large.

“I’m not into coalition talks,” Kalu firmly stated during the visit. “My deal is for Tinubu and Otti to support each other. That’s the direction I’m heading.”

He went further to highlight that he has no issues with Governor Otti, who was elected under the Labour Party platform, stressing that what truly matters to him is national stability and effective leadership rather than partisan politics. “Otti doesn’t have a problem with me. I don’t want to talk about any coalition. I prefer to speak about Otti supporting Tinubu and Tinubu supporting Otti. That is my deal,” he added.

Kalu also addressed his relationship with former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as more than just a political associate. “El-Rufai is my personal friend and brother, so their condition is what I do not understand,” he said, apparently referring to El-Rufai’s recent criticism of the Tinubu administration and his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Kalu expressed uncertainty over the motivations and expectations of those pushing for a coalition, particularly in light of El-Rufai’s recent political moves. He, however, reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that he has influential tools and connections within the party that can be activated when needed. “APC is on course, and I have many triggers to pull out,” he remarked.

El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP on April 16 sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape. In announcing his exit from the APC, El-Rufai did not mince words in his critique of the Tinubu-led government. He described the current administration as the worst and most corrupt Nigeria has experienced in its democratic history since 1999. He also labeled it as the most intolerant, a statement that has further deepened the divide between former allies within the ruling party.

Despite these developments, Kalu appears to be positioning himself as a stabilizing figure who believes in political dialogue and collaboration rather than confrontation. His meeting with Governor Otti is seen by many as a strategic move to build bridges across party lines, especially in the Southeast, where the APC has historically struggled to gain a strong foothold.

By choosing to focus on cooperation between leaders regardless of party affiliation, Senator Kalu seems to be sending a message that national progress should take precedence over political rivalry. Whether this approach will gain traction among other political heavyweights remains to be seen, especially as the country begins to look ahead to the 2027 elections.