Calls by the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) to run for president in 2027 have been rejected by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the senator representing Abia North.
In Abeokuta, Ogun State, the NYLF, a coalition of 40 allied groups, had made their request after paying former President Olusegun Obasanjo a courtesy call.
Kalu and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential contender, were listed as the group’s top picks for the upcoming election by its chairman, Comrade Eliot Afiyo, who also designated Obasanjo as its patron.
They also suggested Adamawa State Governor Umar Fintiri and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal be picked as running partners.
On Thursday, however, Senator Kalu categorically disassociated himself from any presidential ambitions in a statement signed by George Maduka and released through his media unit.
He reaffirmed that he would continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 reelection campaign.
Speaking out against the use of his name for political purposes, Kalu also denied any rumors that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was divided about its 2027 presidential candidate.
The statement said: “The federal and presidential systems that govern Nigerian politics give citizens the ability to vote and be elected. It is up to Senator Kalu to determine what role he should be considered for, and 2027 presidential consideration is not one of them. He is steadfast in his resolve to support President Tinubu, whom he has openly endorsed for reelection.
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Kalu emphasized that a full two-term president is necessary for inclusive changes and long-term stability while also applauding Tinubu’s economic measures.
No leader has had the guts to revitalize the faltering economy since Nigeria returned to democracy like Tinubu has. Kalu thinks that in order to finish the excellent work the President has begun, Nigerians should support and re-elect him in 2027.
Additionally, the former governor of Abia State emphasized his longstanding friendship with Tinubu, which dates back to their time together as governors in 1999. He reiterated that he will always support the president’s progressive economic policies.
