By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
9- OCT- 2025

Former Governor of Abia State and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has asserted that he remains the most influential political figure from Nigeria’s South-East region — not the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Kalu dismissed claims that Obi currently commands the political direction of the region. The lawmaker maintained that his record of political leadership, achievements, and experience far outweighed Obi’s.

“Peter Obi is not my leader. I am the most important politician from the South-East,” Kalu declared confidently.

When asked about his political future, the former governor hinted that he would not rule out contesting for the presidency, emphasizing that competence, not age, should determine leadership eligibility.

“If I’m healthy and God keeps me alive, I can still run for president. Age doesn’t define leadership; what matters is competence and capacity,” he said, citing former U.S. President Donald Trump as an example of age not being a limiting factor.

During the interview, Senator Kalu also addressed the ongoing calls for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He cautioned against making public statements on the matter since it remains before a competent court.

“This case is before the judiciary. It would be improper for me to make public comments when the courts and the President are closely monitoring proceedings,” Kalu stated.

He confirmed that discussions regarding Kanu’s situation were ongoing at various levels but refrained from revealing the details of his conversations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I have spoken to the President several times about this issue, but I cannot disclose our discussions. What’s important is that everyone desires a peaceful resolution,” he added.

Kalu underscored the need for Nigerians to respect judicial processes and avoid actions that could undermine the courts.

“We must allow the judiciary to do its work. No one should make Justice Nyako or any judge appear biased by discussing this matter publicly. All of us are engaged in quiet diplomacy out of respect for the courts,” he explained.

He further reminded agitators that only the Attorney-General of the Federation has the constitutional authority to discontinue legal proceedings of that nature and urged restraint among those demanding Kanu’s immediate release.

> “People must understand that the power to discontinue such a case rests solely with the Attorney-General. Let’s allow due process to take its course,” Kalu concluded.