By Abubakar Yunusa
Former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has alleged that politicians are sponsoring bandits to destabilise President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kalu made the claim on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, saying the insecurity Nigerians are witnessing is “something that goes with the elections.”
He said those behind the attacks wanted Tinubu to fail, just as he claimed similar forces worked against former President Goodluck Jonathan. He did not name the alleged sponsors.
“What we are seeing is always a routine, something that goes with the elections.
“And the terrorists and the bandits are orchestrated by some members of the international community and local people who really want to destabilise the government,”he said .
Kalu stated that the President had shown readiness to confront the situation, noting that Tinubu cancelled his engagements on Sunday to focus on security matters.
Referring to recent mass abductions,he said, “Those girls will be recovered. The government is making every effort.
“Our service chiefs, our security operatives have gone fully on duty to see what they can do.”
The senator also linked the heightened attacks to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump on killings in Nigeria. He claimed the intelligence community knew those responsible.
“These people are partially missionaries bought by politicians.
“These people are centred to destabilise the President who is ready to revamp the economy.”
Kalu added that Tinubu was fully aware of the forces at play, describing the President as someone with “a lot of information around him.”
He also commended the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs, calling it a good security decision.
Kalu said Trump’s intervention could be useful if done in consultation with the Federal Government, stressing that Nigeria needed stronger cooperation with the United States.
His comments come amid a spate of violent attacks across the country.
Last Monday, gunmen abducted 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, killing the vice principal.
A day later, more than 300 pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State, were taken by bandits, though the Catholic diocese said 50 later escaped.
In Kwara State, gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, killing three people and abducting 38 worshippers. The state government later confirmed their release.