Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has officially announced that his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), will support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term. Soludo made this announcement during a working visit by President Tinubu to commission projects in Anambra.
This move has received mixed reactions from stakeholders in the South-East. While some view it as a significant boost for Tinubu, expanding his support base in the region, others argue that it reflects political desperation. The All Progressives Congress (APC) already holds power in two of the five South-East states, and with other key political figures potentially backing Tinubu, the President seems to have an edge in the region.
Governor Soludo justified the support, citing APGA’s longstanding tradition of backing the government at the center. He emphasized the party’s commitment to progressive ideals and its alignment with the federal government. Soludo highlighted the ongoing development in Anambra, including infrastructure projects, smart schools, and water systems, which he attributes to his administration’s efforts and federal support.
President Tinubu, in turn, praised Soludo’s governance, expressing his support for Soludo’s re-election in the upcoming November elections. He commended the governor’s achievements, including the Light Tower project and other key infrastructural developments, which he described as transformative for the state. Tinubu also reiterated his commitment to working with Anambra and the South-East to address regional challenges, including erosion and abandoned federal road projects.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, also reinforced APGA’s commitment to Tinubu’s re-election bid. She praised his inclusivity, noting that his presidency transcends political party lines. Despite her role in the APC-led government, she stated she had no intention of defecting from APGA.
However, the decision has not been without controversy. APGA founder, Chief Chekwas Okorie, criticized Soludo’s adoption of Tinubu, calling it an overreach and a betrayal of the party’s principles. He argued that Soludo was not authorized to make such a commitment on behalf of APGA, highlighting past instances where governors misrepresented the party’s stance.
Opposition figures also expressed dismay. Senator Adolphus Wabara of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suggested that Soludo’s actions reflect a desperate move to secure his second term in office. At the same time, Valentine Ozigbo, a prominent gubernatorial candidate, criticized Soludo’s tenure as a series of missed opportunities, with no significant investments or progress in key areas.
As the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape in Anambra and the South-East continues to evolve, with Soludo’s decision adding a new layer of complexity to the region’s shifting allegiances.
