Kalu Predicts Soludo’s Defection to APC, Says Tinubu Has No Real Opposition Ahead of 2027

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has expressed confidence that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, will soon join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing him as a “natural progressive” whose political ideology aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.

Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday, the former Abia State governor and current senator representing Abia North said Soludo’s membership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was only temporary and that he would eventually find his way to the APC once current political and legal matters were settled.

“Soludo is a progressive like President Tinubu, like me, like the Senate President. He has no alternative but to join us in the APC,” Kalu said.

He further stated that many governors and prominent politicians across the country were already moving toward the ruling party, attracted by what he called President Tinubu’s visionary and inclusive leadership.

“No one is forcing anybody to join the APC, not me, not the Senate President, not even the President. People are coming on their own because they see the direction of progress,” Kalu added.

The senator reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the APC’s base in the South East ahead of the 2027 general elections and pledged full support for his younger brother’s political aspirations within the party, making it clear that he would not back any candidate outside the APC platform.

Kalu also expressed unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration, assuring Nigerians that the ongoing economic reforms would eventually yield positive results.

“At the beginning, there were rumours about moves to remove the Senate President, but as you can see, everything is calm now. The Senate is united and focused on passing laws that will help President Tinubu deliver on his agenda,” he noted.

While acknowledging the economic hardship in the country, Kalu urged Nigerians to remain patient, insisting that policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification would bring medium-term benefits.

“As a businessman, I feel the pain but also see the progress. The macroeconomic indicators are improving, even though the micro level remains tough. The key task now is ensuring that relief reaches the masses,” he explained.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Kalu asserted that President Tinubu remained the dominant political figure in Nigeria.

“The 2027 election will be Tinubu versus Tinubu,” he said confidently. “There is no cohesive opposition. Our party is strong, grounded, and with the people.”

Addressing international relations, Kalu commented on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on religious violence in Nigeria, saying Trump’s concerns were valid.

“Let’s be honest, what Trump said is not a lie. Nigerians are being killed whether they are Christians or Muslims,” he stated. “If they attack in Plateau, the victims are mostly Christians; in Zamfara, they are Muslims. These people are terrorists and must be called by their name.”

Kalu revealed that he had spoken with two former U.S. presidents and over 60 lawmakers in Washington, who expressed readiness to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. He noted that the recent increase in Nigerian Air Force operations might be linked to intelligence collaboration with the United States.

However, he criticised Western powers for destabilising Africa through their actions in Libya and Iraq, saying the fall of Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein led to arms proliferation that worsened insecurity on the continent.

Despite the challenges, Kalu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s recovery path.

“The government is taking the right steps, and I believe President Tinubu will overcome these challenges,” he concluded.