Orji Uzor Kalu Accuses Politicians of Sponsoring Boko Haram to Destabilize Tinubu's Government
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the representative of Abia North Senatorial District and a former governor of Abia State, has made a bold and alarming claim about the root of Nigeria’s persistent insecurity. According to Kalu, some members of Nigeria’s political elite are sponsoring terrorism—particularly Boko Haram insurgents—as a deliberate strategy to destabilize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, June 2, Senator Kalu accused politicians, wealthy businessmen, and senior civil servants of orchestrating violence across the country. He described the actions of these individuals as a political war, not merely an economic one. His comments have since sparked widespread discussion, especially as the country continues to face deadly attacks from various armed groups.
“The political class is behind Boko Haram. They are using terrorism as a tool to fight Tinubu, just like they did with past administrations,” Kalu stated during the interview.
This explosive allegation is not only a criticism of certain elites but also a serious indictment of the underlying political motives fueling Nigeria’s long-standing battle with terrorism, especially in the northeastern regions where Boko Haram has held sway for over a decade.
Boko Haram: A Brief Background
To fully understand the weight of Kalu’s allegations, it is essential to revisit the origins of Boko Haram, one of Africa’s deadliest terror groups. Founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf, Boko Haram initially positioned itself as a religious movement opposed to Western-style education (which the name “Boko Haram” roughly translates to). However, after Yusuf’s death in police custody in 2009, the group became increasingly militant under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau.
Since then, Boko Haram has been responsible for tens of thousands of deaths, massive displacement, and the destruction of countless communities—especially in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Despite several military operations and government initiatives, the group has remained a potent threat, evolving into factions like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Kalu Links Terrorism to Political Power Games
Senator Kalu did not mince words when pressed for clarification during the interview. He blamed politicians, business magnates, and civil servants—not foreign elements or religious radicals—for backing Boko Haram’s deadly operations. According to him, their true aim is to seize political power by destabilizing the federal government, especially under President Tinubu's leadership.
“People in the political class are the ones fuelling Boko Haram. This is a political war. Some of them aren’t after money — they’re after power. They want to tear down the system just to grab control, and that’s not how power should be acquired,” he emphasized.
These words shine a spotlight on the often-suspected but rarely publicly acknowledged theory that Nigeria’s insecurity is politically motivated. While previous administrations have blamed poverty, lack of education, and religious extremism for the rise of terrorism, Kalu’s statement challenges that narrative.
"The Insecurity in Nigeria is Politically Induced" – Kalu Insists
Kalu’s most striking point is perhaps his declaration that the root of insecurity in Nigeria is political, not economic. He argues that although financial interests are involved, the primary goal of these saboteurs is control of government power—not just profit.
“The insecurity in Nigeria is politically induced. These individuals — politicians, businessmen, civil servants — are not just seeking financial gain. They’re looking to hijack political power,” he added.
In a country where kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism are everyday realities, Kalu's comments bring a different perspective. If true, they suggest that no amount of military operations or counter-terrorism funding will solve the problem unless the political class is held accountable.
Reactions and Implications of Kalu’s Statement
The senator's revelations are bound to generate ripples across Nigeria’s political space. Already, citizens have taken to social media to express shock, anger, and curiosity. Some Nigerians have praised Kalu for speaking out, while others question the timing and motive behind his statement.
From a political standpoint, these allegations could deepen mistrust within the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as among opposition groups. The possibility that top-ranking officials may be sponsoring terror raises questions about the government’s ability—or willingness—to confront these hidden enemies.
Moreover, Kalu’s comments could put pressure on security agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Army to investigate further. If verified, his claims could lead to arrests, resignations, or even prosecutions.
A Pattern of Destabilizing Administrations?
Interestingly, Senator Kalu also mentioned that this tactic of using terrorism to fight sitting governments is not new. According to him, similar strategies were used to undermine previous administrations.
“They are using terrorism as a tool to fight Tinubu, just like they did with past administrations,” he noted.
This historical context implies a recurring cycle in Nigerian politics: those out of power allegedly sponsor unrest to delegitimize or weaken the ruling government, thereby paving the way for a political takeover.
If this pattern is accurate, it underscores the toxic nature of Nigerian political competition, where some actors would rather plunge the nation into chaos than wait for the ballot box to determine leadership.
Tinubu’s Government and the Security Challenge
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu has faced mounting security challenges. Though he inherited many of these issues, including Boko Haram insurgency, banditry in the Northwest, and separatist agitations in the Southeast, expectations were high that his administration would offer new solutions.
Tinubu’s security team, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, has launched several operations targeting criminal hideouts and terrorist enclaves. However, the persistence of attacks—especially in the North—has led critics to question the effectiveness of current strategies.
Kalu’s accusation adds a new layer of complexity: What if the problem isn’t just external threats, but internal betrayal?
Will There Be Investigations?
At the time of writing, there has been no official response from the Presidency or security agencies regarding Kalu’s statements. However, Nigerians are calling for a transparent investigation into his claims. Many believe that if what he said is true, then immediate action must be taken to expose and prosecute those involved, no matter how highly placed they may be.
There’s also the question of whether Kalu will be invited by law enforcement or the National Assembly to provide further evidence or testimonies regarding his allegations.
Conclusion: Nigeria at a Crossroads
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s recent comments serve as a sobering reminder of the complex, multi-layered nature of insecurity in Nigeria. His assertion that members of the political elite are actively sponsoring Boko Haram to destabilize President Tinubu’s administration is both explosive and eye-opening.
If Nigeria is to overcome its security challenges, there must be a willingness to confront the internal forces that may be profiting from or perpetuating violence. As Kalu pointed out, this is not just about money—it’s about the dangerous hunger for political power at all costs.
For Nigeria to move forward, leaders must be held to higher standards of accountability. Investigations must be thorough, transparent, and free from political interference. Until then, Nigeria may remain caught in a cycle where politics and violence are tragically intertwined.
