Former Governor of Abia State and serving Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has stirred widespread discussion following his bold declaration that he, not Peter Obi, is the most influential and important politician in the South East region of Nigeria.
During a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu asserted that his political achievements, experience, and national relevance far outweigh those of the former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. He emphasized that his record in governance and political strategy speaks for itself, citing his success as a two-term governor and his role in shaping key political movements within the region.
Orji Uzor Kalu Declares Himself the Leading Political Figure in South East
In his words, Kalu said: “Peter is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone. I have won two states before under the PPA. I have run for president before. My 4.9 million votes are still there since 2007.”
The outspoken senator further argued that his political influence is not limited to Abia State or the South East but extends across the nation. He recalled his impact during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, where his party, the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), produced ministers, ambassadors, and several top federal appointees despite being a regional political force at the time.
“I achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, ambassadors, and several appointments under President Yar’Adua,” Kalu said, underscoring his role as a political heavyweight whose contributions continue to shape governance in Nigeria.
Kalu Challenges Peter Obi to a Public Debate
Not stopping at self-praise, Kalu issued a direct challenge to Peter Obi, urging the media to organize a live debate between the two leaders to test their records, ideologies, and influence before Nigerians. The senator maintained that such a debate would allow the public to objectively determine who truly represents the political voice and strength of the South East.
“Arrange in your studio a meeting between me and Peter Obi. Put two of us in the same place,” he said confidently, throwing down the gauntlet to the Labour Party leader.
The statement has since sparked heated debates across social media and political circles, with supporters of both leaders defending their records. While Obi’s supporters argue that his recent national popularity surpasses Kalu’s influence, the senator’s allies insist that his decades-long political experience and tangible achievements give him the edge in the South East political landscape.
The growing rivalry between the two figures has once again highlighted the fierce competition for political dominance in Nigeria’s South East region, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.
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