According to a report by Vanguard on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission, Orji Kalu, has defended the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, stating that the electoral body operates without political interference.
Kalu, who represents Abia North in the National Assembly under the All Progressives Congress, made the remarks while speaking with journalists in Abuja during activities marking his 66th birthday.
He responded to growing political debates surrounding the conduct and neutrality of the electoral umpire ahead of future elections in the country.
During the interaction, Kalu dismissed allegations suggesting that the ruling party exerts control over the electoral commission.
He specifically addressed claims made by opposition groups, including the African Democratic Congress, which have raised concerns about fairness in the electoral process.
According to him, such claims are unfounded and do not reflect the structure or operation of the commission.
He maintained that the electoral body, under the leadership of its current administration, functions independently and is guided by constitutional provisions.
Kalu also reacted to suggestions that the ruling party has been influencing political defections from opposition parties.
He stated that party affiliation remains a personal decision for politicians and is not determined through coercion or pressure.
He added that individuals who choose to join any political party do so based on their own assessment of political realities.
In his remarks, he further indicated that the leadership of the country has not engaged in forcing political figures to switch parties, emphasizing that participation in party politics is voluntary.
The senator also addressed discussions around possible zoning arrangements for key political positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that he was not aware of any formal decision regarding the zoning of the Senate Presidency to the South East region.
Kalu explained that such decisions are typically made by party leadership and are subject to internal consultations within political parties.
He stressed that zoning arrangements, where they exist, are determined through party processes rather than individual declarations.
On broader national issues, Kalu commented on concerns raised by some political stakeholders regarding alleged marginalisation of the South East region.
He stated that successive administrations, including those of former President Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have implemented projects that contribute to national development, including in the South East.
He argued that governance decisions should be assessed based on overall national impact rather than regional perceptions alone.
Kalu also provided an assessment of the country’s economic situation, noting that while some macroeconomic indicators suggest improvement, challenges remain at the grassroots level.
He attributed some of these challenges to insecurity and other disruptive factors affecting economic activity in different parts of the country.
According to him, addressing these issues is essential for ensuring that economic progress is felt more broadly across communities.
He said, “I don’t think anybody will defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair election… APC is like a moving train. Even in places that were not APC before, people are joining. We are rocking like a hurricane.”
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