Former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has thrown down the gauntlet to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, challenging him to a public debate while declaring himself the most influential politician in the South-East.
Kalu made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. When asked if he believed Igbos should rally behind Obi in future elections, the senator, who represents Abia North, declined to discuss Obi extensively.
“I’m a member of the APC, and I don’t want to talk about Peter Obi,” Kalu said. “Each time you mention him, I get uncomfortable because I’ve told you before — any day you want to discuss Peter Obi with me, give us two hours, put him there, and put me here. Then we’ll sort it out.”
When asked if Obi could be regarded as the political leader of the South-East, Kalu disagreed, insisting his political record outweighs Obi’s achievements.
“He’s not my leader,” Kalu declared. “I am the most important politician from that zone. I’ve won two states before under the PPA. I ran for president in 2007 and got 4.9 million votes. We achieved a lot with the PPA — we had ministers, ambassadors, and other appointments under President Yar’Adua.”
Reiterating his challenge, Kalu said, “Arrange a debate in your studio between me and Peter Obi. Put us both there and let’s talk.”
Speaking on his future political ambitions, the former governor said age would not stop him from running for president again if given the opportunity, citing former U.S. President Donald Trump as an example.
“If I’m healthy and God gives me life, I can still contest,” Kalu said. “The question is not age, it’s competency — what’s in my brain and what I can deliver.”
Do you think Orji Uzor Kalu is more influential than Peter Obi? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
