Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu has declared himself the most important politician from Nigeria’s South-East, dismissing the influence of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu said his political record surpasses Obi’s, citing his achievements with the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA).
“He is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu stated. “I have won two states before under PPA. I ran for president in 2007 and got 4.9 million votes. We produced ministers, ambassadors, and others under President Yar’Adua.”
The former governor said he could still run for president if healthy, emphasizing competence over age.
On the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Kalu urged respect for the judicial process, confirming that he had discussed the matter with President Bola Tinubu, but declined to reveal details.
“We are handling it through backdoor diplomacy out of respect for the judiciary. Nigerians must allow the courts to do their job,” he added.
Kalu concluded by noting that only the Attorney-General of the Federation has the authority to withdraw Kanu’s case, calling for patience and restraint.
