Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has predicted that Anambra State Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo will soon defect from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu, a former governor of Abia State and current senator representing Abia North, made the revelation while addressing journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, Soludo is “a natural progressive” whose ideas and leadership philosophy align closely with those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Soludo is a progressive like President Tinubu, like me, like the Senate President,” Kalu said.
“He has no alternative but to join us in the APC.”
‘No One Is Forced to Join APC’ — Kalu
Kalu dismissed suggestions that politicians were being pressured to defect to the ruling party.
“No one is forcing anybody to join the APC not me, not the Senate President, not even the President,” he clarified. “People are coming on their own because they see the direction of progress.”
He said the growing attraction to the APC was due to President Tinubu’s inclusive leadership style and the party’s growing national influence.
The senator added that he was working to strengthen the APC’s base in the South East, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also pledged full support for his younger brother’s political ambitions under the APC, ruling out any endorsement for opposition candidates.
Kalu Backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Speaking on Nigeria’s economy, Kalu acknowledged that citizens were enduring hardship but urged patience.
“As a businessman, I feel the pain but also see the progress,” he said. “The macro indicators are improving, though the micro level remains tough.”
He expressed optimism that fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification would yield positive results soon.
Kalu also confirmed that rumours of plans to remove Senate President Godswill Akpabio were false, adding that the upper chamber remained stable and focused on helping President Tinubu deliver his agenda.
‘2027 Election Will Be Tinubu Versus Tinubu’
Assessing the political atmosphere ahead of 2027, Kalu declared that President Tinubu remained the most dominant force in Nigerian politics.
“The 2027 election will be Tinubu versus Tinubu,” he said. “There is no cohesive opposition. Our party is strong and grounded.”
Kalu Speaks on Trump’s Nigeria Comment
Kalu also addressed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about violence in Nigeria. He agreed that both Christians and Muslims had suffered from extremist attacks.
“Let’s be honest, what Trump said is not a lie,” Kalu noted. “Nigerians are being killed whether they are Christians or Muslims.”
He said he had spoken with two former U.S. presidents and more than 60 lawmakers who promised to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Kalu blamed the fall of Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein for worsening insecurity in Africa, arguing that the power vacuum allowed arms proliferation and extremism to thrive.
Despite the challenges, Kalu expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership. “The government is taking the right steps, and I believe President Tinubu will overcome these challenges,” he said.