Political Elites Sponsoring Boko Haram To Undermine Tinubu’s Government – Orji Kalu Alleges

Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State and current senator representing Abia North, has alleged that some powerful figures within Nigeria’s political elite are supporting Boko Haram in a calculated attempt to destabilise President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Kalu stated that the renewed activities of the terrorist group are politically driven, blaming the resurgence on influential individuals seeking control through unrest.

“The political class is behind Boko Haram. They’re weaponising terrorism to fight Tinubu—just like they did with previous administrations,” Kalu said. Pressed to clarify who he meant by “political class,” Kalu pointed to politicians, wealthy business moguls, and high-ranking civil servants as those fueling the insurgency.

“This is a politically motivated conflict. Some of these actors aren’t motivated by money but by power. They want to dismantle the system to seize control. That’s not the right path to leadership,” he explained. He described the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria as a strategic move by dissatisfied elites looking to exploit the country’s instability for political gain.

“The insecurity we face today is a product of political ambition. These individuals—whether politicians, businesspeople, or bureaucrats—are not just chasing wealth, but political dominance,” Kalu asserted.

The senator called on Nigerians to remain united and patriotic, stressing the importance of working together for national progress rather than personal interests.

“If we see ourselves as friends and patriots, we must think about the ordinary Nigerian. We should unite to build the country instead of tearing it down for selfish reasons,” he said.

Kalu’s remarks followed a tragic incident in Borno State, where nine passengers were reportedly killed by Boko Haram insurgents using improvised explosive devices in Mairari Village, Guzamala Local Government Area.

Reacting to the attack, Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, condemned the killings as “inhumane” and urged the military to step up efforts to reclaim Guzamala from insurgents. Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, also expressed deep concern over the renewed wave of terrorist violence in the region.