Kalu arrived on the invitation of the Nigerian community in the USA. The event became a platform, which Governor Kalu used to restate his vision for a new Nigeria, and his conviction to deliver the goods as Nigeria’s next president, in 2007. He called it “Kalu’s Contract with Nigerians.” A contract to deliver Nigeria from her present woes and “return Nigeria with all its prosperity to all Nigerians.” The euphoria in the air was electric as Nigerians from all over the USA converged in Houston. Dr. Mrs. Orowashofe from Houston TX, was ecstatic, “Orji Kalu is the face of the new Nigeria,” “Kalu’s date with history is finally here,” added Obidike Ajuluchukwu, a Nigerian-American former Special Assistant to the Governor of New Jersey.

The event started with the arrival and acknowledgement of guests from the entire USA and beyond. Houston’s powerful political players were there, including, US Congresswoman Sheila Lee-Jackson, John Gibbs, Congressman Al Green’s chief of staff; Jerry Roser, former mayor and Chairman world Council of Mayors, and other Corporate CEO’s and leaders of Houston’s business community. Prominent Nigerians included, Senator Musa Abebe, and Acho Nwakanma, Deputy Speaker, Abia House of Assembly. Other significant persons, included Nigerian-born Attorney and Maryland based Commissioner Okey Mbonu, Nigerian community leaders Joe Nzepuome and Walter Adichie from Boston, Marketing and PR guru, Zubi Chukwura from Washington DC, Houston Attorney Emeka Odunze, and other Houston power brokers, business people, and curious Americans. The professional class included Chido Nwangwu, Angela Ngozi Oji, Oby Dike, Vitalis Onu, Erinma Mbonu all of Houston, plus many other important Nigerians. The venue was filled beyond capacity, as people came out in droves to hear Kalu speak. A plethora of media representatives were on hand as well. “Kalu’s quest for the presidency unites all Nigeria under one purpose,” stated Saidu Ugonoh, President of US based “Freedom and Democracy in Nigeria,” a Washington DC NGO. “Kalu’s mandate will be a peoples mandate,” stated Boston business executive Joe Nzepuome. “If governance is based on solid records of achievements, then Kalu wins hands down,” added Walter Adichie, another Boston based Nigerian-born executive. “Kalu is now a coherent political force,” added Okey Mbonu, a Nigeria-born Attorney and Commissioner in Maryland USA.

Kalu’s broad appeal among some of the most influential Nigerians in America, certainly translate into substantial political capital for a presidential candidate. It is not so much the multi-ethnic broadness of Kalu’s support among Nigerian-Americans, which is enviable on its own; rather it is the sheer muscle of Nigerian-Americans economic influence in Nigeria. This influence is conveyed through the direct financial support Nigerian Americans provide in Nigeria. A quick research of US international money transfers to Nigeria, indicates that Nigerians in America directly transfer close to 4 Billion Dollars back into Nigeria yearly. These monies represent not necessarily investments but direct support to relatives in Nigeria. Therefore if the approximately 3 million Nigerians in America, are supporting approximately another 50 Nigerians per person in Nigeria, then go figure the influence they will have with their relatives back home in Nigeria, at election time.

By way of strategy, it appears that part of Kalu’s art, is to take his campaign to the Nigerian people directly, wherever they maybe. If Kalu can lay claim to this vital US based constituency, then one can imagine the domino effect it will have in Nigeria. The Nigerian sojourners will probably enlist everybody in their list of dependent persons across Nigeria, to support Kalu. Kalu probably ponders these possibilities as he smiles his way to political nirvana. In due time, Kalu delved into his speech, zeroing in on “Nigeria’s developmental problems, as anchored by the lack of steady power supply, an obvious impediment to Nigeria’s economic development”. He pledged to make “electricity supply constant after 2 years in office, as energy supply will drive other industrial development in Nigeria.” Kalu also emphasized his vision and “Contract with Nigerians” to restore them to prosperity through the creation of a viable middle class.” “Kalu’s presidency will usher in the nascent bridge between African-Americans and Nigeria, resulting in a comfortable investment climate for American companies,” stated former Houston Mayor, and Chairman World Council of Mayors Jerry Roser. “When I think of home, I think of going to Nigeria,” added Pathina Johnson, an African America from Washington, DC. With the event in full swing, questions were asked, and Kalu rose to the occasion. This writer noted the sophisticated management of Kalu’s environs by his aides, including the notable Philomena Ogugua, US trained political consultant, and special Advisor to Governor Kalu. Kalu’s handlers though all Nigerians, have gotten sophisticated political exposure in US politics, though the actual game has been laid out by Kalu himself, a clear testament to his uncommon ingenuity, whether you love him or hate him.

Kalu’s grassroots political experience, his direct experience as a two term elected executive Governor, and his broadening support among foreign leaders may be hard to match by other presidential aspirants in Nigeria. In fact, though there are many equations that add up to a successful presidential run in Nigeria, Kalu has added another dimension to the equation, a burgeoning international support. “Kalu has matured politically in leaps and bounds in the past two years” noted Abubakar Dasuki, from Washington, DC. Kalu attributes his ongoing political maturity to “the special grace of God,” and to the attention he has been paying to the practical lessons of politics. It is apparent to this writer that Kalu has fused the rough and tumble politics of Nigeria, with its heavy emphasis on monetary incentives, with the finesse of US style politicking, thanks to the support he enjoys from Nigerian Americans. Kalu has however made it clear that he is not intimidated by the Nigerian style financial demands of this campaign. With these combinations, Kalu has upped the ante. This feat may be tough to match by other candidates.