Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) declared Wednesday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the candidate to beat in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the administration has successfully stabilised Nigeria’s macro-economy despite persistent hardships at the grassroots.

Featuring on ‘Politics Today’ anchored by Channels Television with Seun Okinbaloye, Kalu defended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, dismissed claims that the president is at loggerheads with the Catholic Church, acknowledged the reality of hardship facing Nigerians, and maintained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains well-positioned for re-election.

Responding to questions on whether the federal government owed Nigerians an apology over the prevailing economic hardship, Kalu said current realities must be viewed within the context of global economic disruptions rather than in isolation.

According to him, conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel and the United States, as well as disruptions to global shipping routes, have placed enormous pressure on economies across the world.

He argued that countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are also grappling with economic challenges, stressing that Nigeria is not insulated from global economic shocks.

On the state of the economy, Kalu drew a distinction between macroeconomic stability and the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians.

“The macro side of the economy has been stabilised. The exchange rate is stabilising, fuel prices are stabilising, foreign direct investments are coming in and confidence is gradually returning.”

He however acknowledged that the microeconomic environment remains under severe strain.

“As a businessman, I manufacture goods and I know the microeconomy is not doing well. President Tinubu himself knows Nigerians are suffering.”

The senator attributed the weak microeconomic conditions largely to insecurity, arguing that widespread banditry and insurgency have prevented farmers from returning to their farms, thereby affecting food production and prices.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Kalu reiterated his confidence in President Tinubu’s electoral prospects.

He argued that despite economic challenges, the administration has recorded significant achievements in infrastructure, security and economic reforms which have not been adequately communicated to Nigerians.

According to him, the APC has not effectively marketed the administration’s accomplishments.

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