Orji Uzor Kalu Declares Himself Most Influential South-East Politician, Says Peter Obi Can’t Match His Record

The political arena of Nigeria’s South-East has been reignited following a bold declaration by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the current Senate Chief Whip and former Governor of Abia State. Kalu, known for his outspoken nature and long political career, has asserted that he remains the most influential political figure in the region insisting that Peter Obi’s record cannot compare to his.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu confidently dismissed any notion of Obi’s political superiority, arguing that his own verifiable achievements and longevity in Nigerian politics place him far ahead of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

“He (Obi) is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu stated emphatically.

Kalu backed his claim by pointing to his extensive political résumé, which includes founding and leading the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), winning two state governorships under the party’s banner, and contesting the 2007 presidential election, where he said he garnered 4.9 million votes.

He further emphasized his political influence during the Yar’Adua administration, noting that his network helped secure ministerial and ambassadorial appointments for members of his party. The Senator maintained that Peter Obi, though popular among the youth and diaspora, lacks the political machinery and institutional reach that he built over decades.

When questioned about his own presidential ambitions, Kalu dismissed concerns about age, drawing inspiration from international leaders such as Donald Trump, whom he praised for proving that effective leadership depends on competence, not youth.

“If I’m healthy and God grants me life, I can still contest. It’s not about age; it’s about competence, what’s in my brain, and what I can deliver,” Kalu said.

Kalu’s remarks also signaled a rejection of the idea that the Igbo political bloc should unite behind Peter Obi in future elections. Instead, he positioned himself as the region’s most experienced political strategist a man whose influence, achievements, and political survival define the South-East’s power structure.

His comments have reignited debates over leadership and political unity in the region, once again highlighting the deep divides among top Igbo politicians and the struggle for dominance ahead of Nigeria’s next major election cycle.