Orji Kalu is pursuing a presidential campaign strategy that Igbos have never tried before in Nigeria.
OUK stated this during an interview with Channels Television, just days after Tinubu announced his ambition to run for president in 2023.
He said, the ambition for Nigeria to have a President of Igbo extraction in 2023 is not affected by Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
Adding that politicians from the South-West, where Tinubu is from, had tasted the Presidency, just as he pointed out that no Igbo man since independence has been democratically elected as President.
"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," Kalu said.
Asked if he has what it takes to win the APC presidential ticket ahead of Tinubu, he said "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."
"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."
When asked if Tinubu's ambition will prevent the Igbo from producing a President, Kalu replied, "I'm not going to discuss his ambition.
"All I know is that as long as the party is zoning it to the South, anyone running from the South-East should be given priority. That is what it should be, and I will fight for it."
"I'll be ready to confront him at Eagles Square for the ticket and I'll get it and be President," Kalu stated when asked if he'll be ready to fight Tinubu when he finally declares his intention to run.
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