But speculation, yesterday grew that former Head of State, Mohammadu Buhari who picked the ticket of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) may pick the governor as his running mate.

By the adoption of Kalu as PPA’s presidential candidate at the party’s first national convention held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, the Abia State governor has formally declared for the party after several months of rumour that he has been the main financier of the party. Prior to yesterday’s convention, Kalu had hoped to actualize his presidential ambition under the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which he was a foundation and staunch member.

The governor who was the sole presidential aspirant in PPA was adopted through a motion moved by South-West zonal chairman of PPA, Prof. Oluwaseun Omotayo who noted that Kalu is prepared for leadership position being a detribalized Nigerian.

The motion was seconded by zonal chairman of the party from South-South, South-East, North-Central, North-West and North-East, Chief Ken Gbalikuma, Chief Dr. Chris Anele, Mr. Wole Oke, Alhaji Mohammed Kabir and Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu respectively.

Other highlights of the convention include the adoption of the party’s manifesto, colours and flag, party officials at all levels and results of party primaries.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Kalu noted that the crowd who attended the event was an indication that they desired a change stressing that the "change is inevitable."

He said "our country is in trouble and unless something is done quickly, Nigeria is doomed," lamenting that despite the trillions of naira being budgeted yearly, there was nothing to show for it.

Governor Kalu noted that having successfully ran his private businesses and served the people of Abia State, he is very confident that he would even do very much better at the national level if elected the President of the country.

He promised to strengthen the police, army, National Assembly and judiciary to enable them to independently perform their assigned roles.

Further, he assured that the rail system would be reactivated, security provided while dignity of Nigerians would be restored to enable the country be among the comity of nations practicing true democracy.

Governor Kalu also paid glowing tributes to Gen. Mohammadu Buhari who was present at the PPA’s convention, saying that while as a head of state, Buhari brought discipline in every aspect of the nation.

He enjoined all to be up and doing to ensure that the forthcoming election was not rigged adding that the Senator should be on guard to ensure that there won’t be tenure elongation of the present administration.

Present at the convention include, Senator Uchu Chukwumerije, Rear Admiral Ndubisi Kalu and wife of former head of state, Late. Gen. Aguiyi-Ironsi, Mrs. Ironsi among others.

In a related development the Democratic Peoples Alliance has adopted the ANPP presidential flag bearer Gen. Mohammadu Buhari as the party’s presidential candidate in 2007 general election.