Orji kalu threatens to leave APC over disrespect to Catholic Church

Orji Kalu, the senator representing Abia north, says he would quit the All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Tinubu ever shows disrespect to the Catholic Church.

Kalu made the remark on Wednesday during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, while addressing the controversy surrounding the recent meeting between Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

Last week, a delegation of the CBCN led by Matthew Ndagoso met with the president at the State House in Abuja, where they expressed concerns about the country’s economic challenges and worsening insecurity.

The meeting later sparked an exchange of words after John Onaiyekan, cardinal and former archbishop of Abuja, alleged that the president was displeased with the bishops’ remarks. Daniel Bwala, the president’s special adviser on media and policy, also accused the Catholic Church of supporting the opposition.

Kalu said the bishops acted appropriately by speaking on national issues, stressing that they serve as the conscience of the country.

“The Catholic bishops were right. If they had said anything less than what they said, they would no longer be the conscience of this country,” he said.

The former governor of Abia dismissed claims that Tinubu had disrespected the Catholic Church, saying statements made by presidential aides should not be interpreted as the president’s personal views.

“The villa is not President Tinubu. I was a governor and I understand how communication works. President Tinubu has a very good relationship with the Catholic Church,” he said.

He added that Catholic bishops have always spoken frankly to those in power, irrespective of the government in office.

“What politicians cannot tell the president, the Catholic bishops will tell him because they have no political interests to protect,” he added.

Responding to demands that the presidency should apologise to the Catholic Church, Kalu insisted Tinubu had done nothing that required an apology.

“Any day President Tinubu disrespects the opposition, or the Catholic church, I will resign from the APC,” he said.

Kalu also backed the federal government’s economic policies, saying the Tinubu administration has achieved stability in key macroeconomic indicators.

“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 said.

He, however, admitted that many Nigerians have yet to feel the impact of the improvements.

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

The senator blamed insecurity for the poor performance of the microeconomy, noting that improved security would allow farmers to return to their farms and help reduce food inflation.

Speaking on the 2027 general election, Kalu said Tinubu remains the strongest contender, arguing that the opposition is too divided to pose a serious challenge to the APC.

“If they were united, there might be some concern, but they are not. Our party will not allow President Tinubu to lose the election. We will campaign until he wins,” he stated.