Former Abia governor defends Tinubu’s economic reforms, says Nigeria’s economy has stabilised at the macroeconomic level but urges government to translate gains into improved living conditions.

Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared that President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 presidential election by a landslide, insisting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has no serious political challenger.

Kalu expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects on Monday while appearing on Arise PrimeTime, the flagship current affairs programme of Arise News Television.

The former Senate Chief Whip also defended the President’s economic policies, arguing that despite the hardship Nigerians have experienced since the introduction of the reforms, the country’s economy has achieved some level of stability.

According to him, the Tinubu administration has made progress in stabilising the economy at the macroeconomic level, but its next major task is ensuring that the gains translate into better living conditions for ordinary Nigerians and improved opportunities for businesses.

“President Tinubu has been able to stabilise this economy on the macro level. What we are battling now, having stabilised the economy on the macro level, is the micro level,” Kalu said.

He explained that the government must now focus on stimulating economic activities, strengthening local manufacturing, creating employment opportunities and improving agricultural production.

The senator also identified insecurity as a major obstacle to economic recovery, stressing that farmers must be able to access their farmlands safely while manufacturers need reliable access to raw materials to increase production.

While acknowledging the economic difficulties facing households and businesses, Kalu maintained that the country was gradually moving towards greater economic predictability.

He argued that economic reforms often come with temporary sacrifices, urging Nigerians to consider their long-term benefits rather than judging the policies solely by the immediate hardship they have triggered.

Kalu also credited Tinubu with improving Nigeria’s economic relationships with the international community, claiming that the administration had helped restore international confidence and attract greater attention from potential investors.

‘Tinubu Has No Competition’

Moving to the 2027 presidential election, the Abia North senator dismissed suggestions that the opposition could pose a serious threat to Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

He maintained that the APC’s political strength extends beyond the President’s popularity, pointing to its extensive grassroots structures, nationwide support base and political network.

“President Tinubu will win. President Tinubu has no competition,” he declared.

Kalu argued that the political atmosphere on social media should not be mistaken for the actual situation across the country, insisting that the ruling party enjoys considerable support beyond online political discussions.

“What we are seeing on social media is not what is on the ground. Our party is very huge, and the supporters of that party are large. We have huge numbers of people supporting this party,” he said.

He added that APC lawmakers and other political stakeholders were already mobilising in their respective constituencies to strengthen the party's electoral position ahead of the next general election.

The senator also appealed to Nigerians to prioritise national unity and political stability, arguing that the country should allow successive administrations to complete their constitutionally permitted tenures.

“The unity of this country is very important. Let’s not question the unity. We allowed President Buhari to do his eight years and go, and we must allow Tinubu to do his eight years and go,” he said.

Kalu Defends Support For Tinubu, APC

The former governor also addressed questions about his political relationship with the Igbo political establishment, his continued membership of the APC and his future political ambitions.

He maintained that his political choices were guided by his convictions about national development and loyalty to his political platform rather than ethnic considerations.

Kalu's comments come amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general election, with the ruling party and opposition figures positioning themselves for what is expected to be another keenly contested presidential race.

While the senator remains optimistic about Tinubu's chances, the administration continues to face public scrutiny over the cost of living, food prices, unemployment, insecurity and the impact of its economic reforms on ordinary Nigerians.

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