I’m the most important politician in S’E, not Peter Obi — Orji Kalu

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Majority Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has described himself as the most important politician in the South-East, dismissing claims that the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, holds that position.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Wednesday, Kalu rejected suggestions that Igbo politicians should rally behind Obi in future elections.

“I’m a member of the APC and I don’t want to discuss Peter Obi,” Kalu said. “Each time you mention him, I become uncomfortable because I’ve told you before — any day you want to discuss Peter Obi with me, give us two hours, put him there, and put me here. Then we’ll sort it out.”

When asked if Obi had emerged as the political leader of the South-East, Kalu dismissed the notion, insisting that his political credentials outweigh Obi’s.

“He’s not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone. I have won two states before under PPA,” Kalu said.

He recalled his past political achievements, including his presidential bid in 2007 under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), where he claimed to have secured 4.9 million votes.

“I ran for president before. My 4.9 million votes in 2007 are still there. We achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, ambassadors, and other appointments under President Yar’Adua,” he added.

On his political future, Kalu said age would not deter him from seeking the presidency if given the opportunity, stressing that leadership should be measured by competence rather than age.

“If I’m healthy and God gives me life, I can still contest. The question is not age, it’s competency. It’s about what is in my brain and what I can deliver,” he said.