It’s overdue for an Igboman to become a Nigerian President – Kalu

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has said he is not desperate to become the President of Nigeria.

He stated this while addressing journalists after a plenary session at the National Assembly, on Wednesday.

Kalu lamented that the South-East region was overdue to produce Nigeria’s next president, which he is optimistic will come to reality in 2023.

“Has the party zoned the ticket to the South-East? I have said before that there are only two zones that have not been President -the South-East and the North-East. Once it’s zoned to the South-East, I have the capacity and capability to roll out my campaign and rock like a hurricane.

“It’s overdue for an Igboman to become a Nigerian President, I believe the South-East should produce the next President and it’s going to happen,” the Senator said.

The former governor of Abia State also said anyone who is against zoning the presidency to the South-East and North-East is not a serious-minded and fair citizen. 

“They are not serious. A serious-minded person will like to be fair to Nigeria, to be fair to society, and be fair to the atmosphere because this party is not owned by me or by you the press people. It is only APC people that can decide where the party ticket will go. If they zone it to the Southeast, I have all it takes to make a good President,” Kalu said.

The Chief Whip noted that his visit to  President, Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Tuesday was not the first but had visited him to discuss issues about security, electoral laws, and the general welfare of the country.

He said, “This is not the first time I’m going to see the President. People usually go in the afternoon but I went in the night to avoid the press.

“I go there regularly. It’s a family affair and I went there to discuss national issues with regards to the security and wellbeing of our country and also the issue of the electoral law and the discussion was very fruitful.”

Kalu said he would pursue his presidential ambition with politicians from different geopolitical zones and would begin nationwide consultation in due time.

Speaking on the party’s convention slated for February 26, Kalu said he is optimistic if its outcome. He said the exercise will be free of chaos, and Nigerians would be proud of the action.

Earlier, the chief whip had said: “Contesting for President is not the issue. For me, it is who will lead the country into economic miracle and economic turnaround.

“But to run for President, I think I’m the most prepared. I did it in 2007.

“If I consider running, I’ll be the most formidable candidate at Eagles Square. I have everything it takes to face any candidate.”