“Politics Has Been Dangerous to Me” – Orji Uzor Kalu Claims He Never Benefited from Political Office, Says He Spent His Own Money to Serve

 

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman, has made a bold and controversial statement regarding his political career. Speaking on Channels Television on June 2, 2025, the former governor of Abia State declared that he has never derived any financial or material benefit from holding public office. Instead, he insists that he has spent large amounts of his own money to serve both as a governor and as a senator.

This statement, which has sparked debate across Nigeria's political landscape, provides an insight into the experiences and frustrations of one of Nigeria’s most recognizable political figures. In this article, NaijaRush takes a deep dive into Orji Uzor Kalu’s claims, his background in business, and what this means in the larger context of Nigerian politics.

Orji Uzor Kalu: Businessman First, Politician Second

Before venturing into politics, Orji Uzor Kalu made his name as a successful entrepreneur. According to him, he had already accumulated significant wealth before turning 24 years old—a rare feat in Nigeria's competitive business environment. Kalu revealed during the interview that he was one of the biggest importers of essential goods in Nigeria before joining the political scene.

“I made so much money under 24. I did not benefit anything from being a governor. I brought the money they used in forming the PDP,” he said.

Kalu's business empire reportedly spanned the importation of rice, sugar, confectionaries, and petroleum products. At a time when foreign exchange was still relatively stable and Nigeria’s importation sector was booming, Kalu established himself as a major player. This, he says, is where his wealth came from—not from the government or political appointments.

“I am the biggest importer of rice, sugar, confectionaries, and the rest of them and I was also selling petrol,” he explained.

Massive Financial Contributions to PDP’s Formation

In a startling revelation, Kalu claimed he played a pivotal financial role in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998. According to him, his donations at the time ran into the millions of dollars—a contribution he says was crucial in getting the party off the ground.

“I brought the money they used in forming the PDP. Ask any PDP member, I brought most of the money they used in 1998 and 1999,” Kalu insisted.

The PDP would go on to become Nigeria's dominant political party for over 16 years, ruling from 1999 to 2015. If Kalu’s claims are accurate, it means he was a key behind-the-scenes figure in shaping the political direction of Nigeria at the dawn of the Fourth Republic.

He even went further to mention that he personally gave former President Olusegun Obasanjo over $1 million to support his presidential campaign.

“Then, dollar was big money. I gave President Obasanjo over $1 million to campaign. I gave the party $500 million. The only few people who could have brought money then were TY Danjuma and Atiku Abubakar. Others had no money to bring and that’s the truth.”

These figures are staggering and, if true, highlight the enormous personal financial sacrifice Kalu claims to have made in pursuit of a democratic Nigeria.

“Politics Has Been More Dangerous to Me Than Beneficial”

Despite serving as the Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007 and currently representing Abia North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu maintains that he has gained nothing from public office.

“I spent my own money being governor like I spent my own money being a senator. I used to finance the state. That is the truth,” he said.

This assertion challenges a widely held public perception in Nigeria—that most politicians enter government primarily for personal enrichment. In Kalu's case, he claims the opposite has been true.

“I never benefitted anything being governor, rather I lost a lot of money. The Federal Government took a lot of my businesses. For me, politics has been more dangerous to me.”

Here, Kalu is likely referencing his long-standing legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other authorities. His business interests, including Slok Group, have come under intense scrutiny over the years. In fact, Kalu was at one point convicted for corruption in 2019, although the conviction was later nullified by the Supreme Court on procedural grounds.

Kalu’s Financial Role During His Tenure as Governor

The idea that a governor used personal funds to run a state is highly unusual and raises questions. Kalu maintains that during his time as the governor of Abia State, he frequently dipped into his private resources to keep the machinery of government running.

This claim is likely to be met with skepticism, especially in a country where public service is often seen as a pathway to wealth rather than financial sacrifice. However, Kalu stands firm in his belief that he gave more than he received from politics.

If true, it paints a picture of a man who may have entered politics with genuine intentions but became frustrated by systemic corruption, political betrayals, and institutional resistance.

The Cost of Being a Political Financier in Nigeria

Orji Uzor Kalu’s story also sheds light on a broader issue in Nigerian politics—the role of money. His revelation that only a few individuals like TY Danjuma and Atiku Abubakar had the financial capacity to contribute significantly to PDP in 1998 highlights the money-centric nature of political participation in Nigeria.

In many cases, only the wealthy can afford to contest elections, sponsor political parties, and influence outcomes. This often creates a cycle where the political elite are dominated by business moguls who expect political rewards in return for their investments.

However, Kalu’s account suggests that he never received such political returns. Instead, he says, he became a victim of the very system he helped fund.

What This Means for Nigeria’s Political Future

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s statement is a rare moment of candid reflection in Nigerian politics. Whether his claims are taken at face value or with a grain of salt, they provoke important questions:

• Should politics be a place for financial investment or public service?

• Why are private individuals the main sponsors of political parties in Nigeria?

• What happens when the expectations of political financiers are not met?

As Nigeria continues to evolve democratically, conversations like this must be had. If more politicians were transparent about their journeys—both the wins and the losses—citizens would be better informed and able to hold public officials accountable.

Conclusion

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s assertion that he has gained nothing from politics and has instead sacrificed millions of dollars to serve Nigeria is a controversial but thought-provoking claim. From his early business success to his pivotal role in founding the PDP, Kalu insists that his political life has been marked not by reward but by loss and danger.

“Politics has been more dangerous to me,” he emphasized.

Whether or not Nigerians agree with his perspective, one thing is clear: the cost of political ambition in Nigeria—financially, emotionally, and reputationally—is extraordinarily high. For Senator Kalu, the journey continues, and only time will tell how history judges his contributions to the nation.