Orji Kalu boasts: ‘I’m the Most Important Politician in the South East’

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has boldly declared himself as the most important politician in Nigeria’s South East geopolitical zone.

He insisted that former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, does not rank above him in political relevance or influence.

Kalu made the statement during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television on Tuesday, where he was asked whether he would support Obi in future elections.

“I am a member of the APC, and I don’t want to discuss Peter Obi for any reason,” Kalu said firmly.

“You can ask me about the leadership of my party, whether the question is right or wrong, but not about Peter Obi.”

When pressed further by the interviewer on why he appeared uncomfortable whenever Obi’s name was mentioned, Kalu maintained his stance: “No, because I don’t want to discuss him. I’ve told you before, any day you want to discuss him with me, give us two hours and you’ll be the moderator. Keep it there, I’ll be able to sort it out.”

Reacting to the suggestion that Obi is increasingly being seen as the political leader of the South East, Kalu dismissed the notion outright.

“He is not my leader. I am the most important politician from the South East zone. I won two states before on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). I’ve run for president before; my 4.9 million votes are still there,” he stated.

He went on to highlight his political achievements, arguing that his track record preceded any contemporary influence Obi might have gained in recent years.

“In 2007, we achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, ambassadors, and other key appointments under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua,” Kalu added.

“So you cannot be telling me who is or isn’t a leader. Anybody can run for president.”

Kalu’s comments come amid ongoing debates about political leadership and influence in the South East, where Obi continues to enjoy widespread grassroots support following his strong performance in the 2023 presidential election.

However, Kalu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a two-time senator representing Abia North, made it clear that his political legacy and reach in the region remain unmatched.