A former Abia State Governor, Orji Kalu, says he is the most important politician from the South East region and not the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.
The representative of Abia North Senatorial District made this claim on Wednesday on a Channels Television programme: “Politics Today.”
Kalu said: “He (Obi) is not my leader.
“I am the most important politician from that zone.
“I have won two states before under PPA (Progressive People’s Alliance).
“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.”
Responding to a question on his future political ambitions, Kalu said age would not deter him from running for president if given the opportunity, citing US President Donald Trump as an example.
He said: “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.”
Kalu also addressed the renewed agitation for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
He said: “You know this case is before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“It is not a very good thing for me to come out openly to start canvassing my opinion without knowing the position of the court or that of the President.
“The President is watching the judiciary closely.
“I have discussed this issue with the President many times.
“But I cannot tell you what I discussed with him.
“It’s a privilege for me to have spoken to the President.
“What matters is that everyone wants a peaceful resolution.
“All of us are doing what I call backdoor diplomacy because of the utmost respect I have for the judiciary.
“We must not make Justice Nyako or any judge look like a fool by discussing this case publicly.
“Nigerians must respect the decisions of our courts.”
The former governor emphasised that only the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has the legal power to discontinue such a case.
Kalu also urged restraint among those calling for Kanu’s immediate release.
