Orji Uzor Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Senate, has boldly declared that he will not step down from the race for the coveted position of Senate President, dismissing any competition from other contenders.
In an exclusive interview with reporters on Tuesday in Abuja, Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, revealed that he is engaged in talks with Abdulaziz Yari, a Senate President hopeful and former governor of Zamfara State.
During the press briefing, Kalu emphasized that the details of their discussions will be unveiled in due course.
He stated, “I won’t step down for anybody. We are engaging in intimate talks and forming a partnership with Governor Yari’s group. Our primary objective is to ensure that no single zone exclusively produces the Senate President.”
Kalu further elaborated on the need for a united front, stating, “As I have consistently maintained, no single zone can exclusively produce the President of Nigeria. Senator Yari and I are seeking a united partnership that will work in the best interest of Nigeria. In the coming days or weeks, the details of this partnership will be unveiled, as we are engaged in serious talks.”
Acknowledging their personal friendship, Kalu explained, “I cannot deny that Yari is a dear friend of mine, and we have mutually decided to engage in these discussions. We have been in communication for the past four weeks, and the outcome will be revealed by our respective sponsors. He has his sponsors, and I have mine. Therefore, it will be the sponsors who will determine the direction of this partnership. I eagerly await the sponsors’ decision.”
Kalu emphasized that both he and Yari are committed to preserving the integrity of the Senate and supporting the upcoming administration of President Bola Tinubu. However, their stance contradicts the position of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It is noteworthy that the APC had officially nominated Godswill Akpabio, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, as their preferred candidate for the position of Senate President. The contrasting perspectives within the APC reflect the intensity of the competition for this influential role.
As the race for the Senate President’s office gains momentum, political observers eagerly anticipate the outcome of the discussions between Kalu and Yari.
Their partnership, if materialized, is expected to have a significant impact on the political landscape, particularly within the APC.
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