Senator Orji Kalu Vows to Quit APC If Tinubu Disrespects Catholic Bishops

Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North, declared that he would resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Tinubu ever showed disrespect toward the Catholic bishops or members of the opposition.

He dismissed recent claims that Tinubu had insulted the Catholic Church following a televised exchange between presidential aides and Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja. Kalu insisted that the President maintains a cordial relationship with the Church and regularly grants audiences to its leaders.

Catholic Bishops as the Nation’s Conscience

“Tinubu did not insult the Catholic Church,” Kalu said. “In every country — from the DRC and Angola to South Africa — the Catholic and other churches serve as the conscience of the nation.” He added that he found nothing objectionable in the bishops’ recent concerns about the country’s condition.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has a long tradition of speaking on national issues, Kalu noted, and should not be viewed as an adversary of government. Since the military era, the conference has met annually to discuss the state of the nation and issue public statements.

A Pledge Rooted in Respect

Kalu emphasized that the bishops often raise topics that politicians and officials might hesitate to bring directly to the President. “For me, Tinubu is not an enemy to the Catholic bishops. Anytime they request an audience, he grants it because any president who avoids the bishops is avoiding himself,” he stated.

He reiterated his personal commitment: “Any day President Tinubu disrespects the opposition or the Catholic bishops, I will resign from the APC.”

Outlook on the 2027 Election

Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Kalu expressed confidence that President Tinubu will secure a second term. He credited the administration with progress in infrastructure, security, and economic reforms, but argued that the APC has failed to communicate these achievements effectively to the public.

“A lot has been done by this government. We simply have not marketed those achievements well,” Kalu remarked.

Assessment of Tinubu’s Performance

While acknowledging that Nigerians continue to face economic hardship, Kalu maintained that the administration’s record should not be judged solely by current challenges. He rated Tinubu’s performance at roughly 65 out of 100, predicting that the score could rise to near 70 by September or October.

He did not provide a detailed breakdown of the projects or policies underlying this assessment, but stressed that the government has made headway despite the economic and security difficulties it inherited.

Opposition Fragmentation

Kalu also downplayed the prospect of opposition parties unseating the APC in 2027, describing the opposition as fragmented. He argued that without a united front and a common electoral strategy, opposition politicians will struggle to mount a credible challenge, giving Tinubu and the ruling party a distinct advantage.