.Says Adeleke’s re-election is democracy at work, urges APC to regroup, return stronger
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political prospects in Osun State remain “very bright” ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite the defeat suffered by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recent governorship poll.
Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, said the outcome of the Osun governorship election should not be interpreted as a setback for Tinubu, insisting that the President still commands considerable political goodwill in the state.
The senator made the declaration in a statement issued by his media office while reacting to the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
He congratulated Adeleke on his victory and commiserated with the APC leadership, the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, and other party supporters over the outcome.
Kalu said the election demonstrated the strength of Nigeria’s democratic process and urged political actors to respect the decision of the electorate.
“What happened in Osun is democracy in play. Elections are about the choice of the people, and as a party, we should be able to come back stronger,” he said.
According to him, Tinubu would continue to enjoy support from stakeholders across political divides in Osun State, including members of the APC and Accord Party.
He also commended Adegboyega Oyetola, a former governor of Osun State and incumbent Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for his contributions to the development of the state.
Kalu urged political leaders and party supporters not to lose focus because of the Osun result, stressing that the 2027 political contest would provide fresh opportunities for parties to reconnect with voters and strengthen their structures.
The senator’s comments came amid a series of engagements with women, youths and community leaders across Abia North, where he reiterated his commitment to grassroots development and empowerment.
On Monday, August 17, Kalu was represented at the Amoji Imenyi August Women Meeting by Rev. Dr. Jemaima Ola Kalu.
In his message to the gathering, the senator praised women for their contributions to their families, communities and the wider society, assuring them that his commitment to their welfare and that of young people remained unwavering.
He said his interventions over the years had focused on education, empowerment, skills acquisition and the creation of opportunities for residents of Abia North.
Kalu thanked the women of Amoji Imenyi for their reception and prayed for mothers and women across Nigeria, urging them to remain hopeful despite the challenges confronting the country.
He also congratulated former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, on his 85th birthday, describing him as a respected elder statesman whose experience remained valuable to younger generations of Nigerian leaders.
Kalu said Babangida’s knowledge of the country’s history and political development continued to offer lessons for those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
On behalf of his family and the people of Abia North, he wished the former military leader good health, peace and many more years.
The senator also used the 2026 August Meeting of Inyom Ebem, Home and Abroad, held in Ebem Ohafia, to reaffirm his commitment to the community.
He was represented at the event by Udo Uduma, Esq., and his wife, Chief Mrs. Ezinne Udo Uduma.
Kalu said Ebem remained dear to him, promising to continue supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace, unity and development in the community.
He specifically pledged continued attention to infrastructure, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads.
He commended the women for their role in sustaining families and communities and thanked the President General of Inyom Ebem, Home and Abroad, Ezinne Chief Mrs. Ucha Ajaka, and other women for their prayers, support and goodwill.
Similar goodwill messages were delivered on Kalu’s behalf at August women meetings in Ntalakwu, Lodu Imenyi, Ugwueke and Ozuitem communities.
At the gatherings, the senator described women as pillars of their families and communities and urged them to continue promoting peace, unity, good values and responsible upbringing of children.
He also assured the communities of his continued commitment to infrastructure, education and human capital development across Abia North.
Kalu further marked the 2026 International Youth Day by celebrating Nigerian youths for their resilience, creativity and determination to succeed despite the country’s economic and social challenges.
He noted that many young Nigerians were acquiring skills, establishing businesses and contributing to national development.
The senator urged young people to remain focused on their aspirations, assuring them that their creativity and energy remained critical to Nigeria’s future.
Across the various engagements, Kalu thanked traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youths for their continued support and pledged to sustain his grassroots engagements and development initiatives across Abia North.