Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has expressed confidence that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, will soon join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu, who currently represents Abia North Senatorial District and previously served as Governor of Abia State, described Soludo as a “natural progressive” whose political philosophy aligns with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday, Kalu said the Anambra governor, presently a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is likely to find a common cause with the APC after current political and legal matters are concluded.
“Soludo is a progressive like President Tinubu, like me, and like the Senate President. He has no choice but to join us in the APC,” Kalu stated.
Kalu noted that more politicians and governors across Nigeria are showing interest in the ruling party due to what he called President Tinubu’s visionary and inclusive leadership.
He stressed that no one is being coerced into joining the APC.
“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,” he said.
Kalu reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening the APC’s base in the South East, adding that his focus is on preparing the party for the 2027 general elections.
He also confirmed his support for his younger brother’s political ambitions within the APC and ruled out backing candidates from other political platforms.
Addressing the state of the nation, the senator reiterated his loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration, expressing optimism that the government’s economic reforms will soon bear fruit.
“At the beginning, there were rumours about moves to remove the Senate President, but as you can see, everything is calm. The Senate is united and focused on helping the President deliver on his agenda,” Kalu said.
He acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, especially after the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate, but urged citizens to be patient.
“As a businessman, I feel the pain, but I also see the progress. Macroeconomic indicators are improving even though life remains tough for ordinary people. The key now is ensuring that relief reaches the masses,” he explained.
Kalu dismissed fears of a strong opposition in the next general elections, insisting that President Tinubu remains the dominant political figure in the country.
“The 2027 election will be Tinubu versus Tinubu,” he declared.
“There’s no united opposition. Our party is solid, organized, and connected to the people.”
Kalu also reacted to recent remarks by former U.S President Donald Trump regarding killings in Nigeria, saying Trump’s comments reflected the harsh reality of insecurity in the country.
“What Trump said isn’t false. Nigerians, both Christians and Muslims, are being killed. In Plateau, the victims are mostly Christians; in Zamfara, they’re Muslims. These are terrorists, and that’s what they should be called,” he said.
He disclosed that he had recently spoken with two former U.S presidents and over 60 U.S lawmakers, who expressed a willingness to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
Kalu suggested that increased collaboration with the U.S might have led to the recent improvement in Nigerian Air Force operations.
However, he criticised Western nations for their roles in destabilising Africa through the military interventions in Libya and Iraq, which he said led to arms proliferation and worsened insecurity across the continent.
Despite current challenges, Kalu remained optimistic about Nigeria’s future.
“The government is on the right track, and I believe President Tinubu will overcome these challenges,” he concluded.
