Former Abia State Governor and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu has declared his readiness to challenge All Progressives Congres’ Chieftain, Bola Tinubu for the party’s 2023 presidential ticket.
The Member of the Red Chamber declared his ambition during an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, the 11th of January 2021 in reaction to the former governor of Lagos’ intention to run in the 2023 general elections for the highly coveted presidential seat some days ago.
Senator Kalu also stated Tinubu’s presidential ambition in no way deters the ambition to have an Igbo extracted President in 2023.
He further pointed out that while the nation has had Presidents of Yoruba extraction including Obasanjo who sat on the Presidential seat for eight years and incumbent Vice President, Osinbanjo, no man of Igbo descent has been democratically elected thus far.
Responding to series of questions, the senator said;
“I do not see Tinubu’s aspiration having any effect on a President of Nigeria coming from Igbo area.
“It has no effect because we are talking based on what Nigeria should be, based on what people should believe.
“Obasanjo had been President for eight years. Osinbajo is about to conclude eight years as Vice President. Yet, no Igbo man since independence has been democratically elected as President.
“So, it’s always good to think of what is reasonable and what is more sellable.
“That thing is almost like dead on arrival because it is not going to work.”
“I’m the most prepared presidential candidate in Nigeria.
“I’m capable healthwise and as a person, and also capable to face anybody. But the party is supreme. I’m only waiting for the APC.”
“Contesting for President is not the issue. For me, it is who will lead the country into economic miracle and economic turnaround.
“I’m not against Tinubu. If the presidential ticket is zoned to his area and the party gives him the go-ahead, that’s supreme. I’m only waiting for the party.
“But to run for President, I think I’m the most prepared. I did it in 2007.
“If I consider running, I’ll be the most formidable candidate at Eagles Square. I have everything it takes to face any candidate.”
“All I know is that as long as the party is zoning it to the South, the South-East should take preference to anybody that is trying to run. That is what it should be and that is what I will stand for.”
“I’ll be ready to face him (Tinubu) at Eagles Square for the ticket and I will get it and be President.”
