Abia State Governor and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu's re-election prospects, saying the opposition lacks the unity needed to mount a formidable challenge in 2027.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu currently has no serious political rival ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the opposition as "very weak" and too divided to threaten the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today, where he assessed the political landscape ahead of the next general election. According to him, the opposition's inability to remain united has significantly reduced its chances of defeating the incumbent president.
"He has no competition. The opposition is very weak," Kalu said, adding that the APC would only have genuine concerns if opposition leaders were able to unite behind a single political platform and candidate. He argued that the current fragmentation among opposition parties has strengthened President Tinubu's position ahead of the polls.
The senator acknowledged that efforts were made in 2025 to build a broad opposition coalition involving prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi. However, disagreements over leadership and political strategy eventually weakened the alliance, leaving the opposition divided across different platforms.
Kalu also praised President Tinubu's administration, saying the government had recorded notable achievements in infrastructure and governance but had not effectively communicated those accomplishments to Nigerians. He argued that the administration's performance would become more widely appreciated over time.
According to the former Abia State governor, President Tinubu has many political opponents both within and outside government, but he remains confident that the administration's record will ultimately earn the support of voters across the country before the next election.
His comments come amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties continuing consultations, defections and alliance talks aimed at strengthening their electoral chances. While several opposition leaders are still exploring possible collaborations, no unified coalition has emerged following the collapse of earlier efforts.
Political analysts believe the evolving alliances and internal party negotiations will continue to shape the race in the coming months. They note that although incumbency provides the APC with significant advantages, voter sentiment, campaign strategies and coalition-building efforts will remain key factors ahead of the election.
As preparations for the 2027 polls continue, Kalu's remarks add to the ongoing debate over the strength of Nigeria's opposition and the political dynamics that could influence the country's next presidential contest.