Former Abia State Governor, Orji Kalu, has claimed to be the most influential politician in the South-East region, downplaying the political influence of Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
Speaking on Wednesday on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu emphasised his past achievements, including winning two states under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and securing 4.9 million votes in the 2007 presidential election.
He insisted that his political achievements surpassed Obi’s.
“He (Obi) is not my leader, I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu said.
When asked about his future political aspirations, Kalu stated that age wouldn’t hinder his presidential ambitions if given the opportunity.
He cited U.S. President Donald Trump as an example, he stressed that competency, not age, is the determining factor for leadership.
“If I’m healthy and God gives me life, I can still contest.The question is not age, it’s competency.
Kalu also addressed the renewed calls for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
While cautioning against public pronouncements on the matter, which is still in court, he revealed that discussions were ongoing at various levels to secure Kanu’s release.
“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,” Kalu said.
Kalu emphasised his respect for the judiciary and urged Nigerians to allow the courts to conclude their work before drawing conclusions.
The controversy surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention has sparked debates about the role of the judiciary and the executive in resolving the matter.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has denied allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, describing the claims as “false and baseless.
