Senate Majority Whip and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has asserted that he holds greater political significance in the South-East region than Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Kalu made the statement during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television on Wednesday.
He was responding to a question on whether the South-East should consider consolidating political support behind Obi in future elections.
The senator, who represents Abia North in the National Assembly, declined to speak at length about the former Anambra State governor, noting that he would only engage in a proper conversation if Obi was present for a debate.
“I’m a member of the APC and I don’t want to discuss Peter Obi,” he said.
“Each time you mention him, I become uncomfortable because I’ve told you before — any day you want to discuss Peter Obi with me, give us two hours, put him there, and put me here. Then we’ll sort it out,” Kalu added.
When asked whether he considered Obi the political leader of the South-East, Kalu rejected the notion, stating that his own political history and accomplishments surpass those of the Labour Party flagbearer.
“He’s not my leader, I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu said. “I have won two states before under PPA.
“I ran for president before, my 4.9 million votes in 2007 are still there. We achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, ambassadors, and other appointments under President Yar’Adua.”
Kalu also hinted at the possibility of contesting for office again, saying his ability to lead is not hindered by age but rather determined by his capabilities.
“If I’m healthy and God gives me life, I can still contest. The question is not age, it’s competency,” he stated. “It’s about what is in my brain and what I can deliver.”
