Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are influencing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday as plenary resumed after the Easter break, Kalu said INEC operates independently under the leadership of its chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, without interference from any arm of government.
The former Senate Chief Whip described allegations by opposition figures, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as frivolous and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. INEC is an independent body, and we have a lot of respect for the chairman of INEC. He is an erudite Professor of Law.
“So, let us stop this frivolity. People should take the electoral process and democracy seriously instead of de-marketing the country,” he said.
Kalu also rejected claims that the ruling party is coercing governors and other politicians to defect to the APC, maintaining that party affiliation remains a matter of personal choice.
“President Tinubu has never begged anybody to leave his party or to join our party. If a governor decides to join the APC, that is his business.
“When you come, we negotiate; if it is good, you stay; if not, you go your way. Nobody is forcing anybody,” he added.
He urged political actors to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and presenting credible policy alternatives rather than engaging in what he described as “unproductive criticism.”
The lawmaker further dismissed claims that the South East is marginalised under the APC-led government, arguing that both former President Muhammadu Buhari and Tinubu have contributed to national development, including in the region.
“Every President has something to add. Buhari has contributed his quota, Tinubu is contributing his quota. We are getting what we are supposed to get… maybe even more today,” he said.
Assessing the administration’s reform agenda, Kalu said while macroeconomic indicators show improvement, challenges remain at the grassroots level due to insecurity and sabotage.
“The upper end of the reform is working… investors are coming in. But the lower end has problems because of insecurity and sabotage. Reforms take time; they don’t happen in one day,” he stated.
He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 elections, describing the opposition as weak and lacking viable alternatives.
“I don’t think anybody will defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair election. APC is like a moving train. Even in places that were not APC before, people are joining. We are rocking like a hurricane,” Kalu added.
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