Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has said the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has no alternative presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking with the Senate Press Corps on Tuesday, Kalu hinged his hope on his belief that President Bola Tinubu was doing well in governance, stressing that some previous presidents who did not do well returned for a second timem.
He said the economic reforms have put Nigerians under pressure, but said they were geared toward a robust economy and appealed to Nigerians for patience.
Kalu said: “We are appealing to the Nigerian people to be patient with the reform process. We are not looking for another presidential candidate outside of our party; we are fully aligned with democratic principles and supporting the sitting President.
“Reforms are difficult, but they are necessary. The economy has been cut into pieces, and now we are trying to sew it back together.
“It is a tough process, but patience is required. Economic challenges exist everywhere, not just in Nigeria — London, Canada and other parts of the world are facing difficulties too.”
The former governor of Abia State and a ranking senator said the Tinubu-led government was embarking on consultation before taking decision on some strategic issues in the interest of the nation.
“The President is now making wider consultations, both locally and internationally, before taking key economic decisions.”
Speaking on the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which has triggered fresh headlines in the aftermath of the release of the memoir of former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Kalu said he is looking forward to a second edition as the first edition, in his opinion, did not have the complete facts.
“I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the realities.
“I was present during the events of June 12, and I know what happened. Babangida should call out the names of those responsible for preventing the election declaration.
“The coup in question was not an Igbo coup; it was a Nigerian coup, executed by the military. Moshood Abiola won that election, and there is no doubt about it.”
He said: “Moshood Abiola should be sworn into office posthumously.
“Since Abiola won, his picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents. I commend former President Buhari for giving him a posthumous national honor.
“I would also appeal to President Tinubu to officially recognize him and place his image where it belongs. This would help bring closure to his family.”