Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has pledged his full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Soludo, the only governor from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made this commitment during a historic visit by Tinubu to Anambra on Thursday, describing the event as both “historic and symbolic.”
This endorsement comes as President Tinubu, representing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has not yet officially declared his intention to run for re-election.
Soludo’s statement follows a similar declaration by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who also expressed support for Tinubu’s second term.
This development has raised concerns about Nigeria potentially moving towards a one-party system as opposition forces weaken.
While addressing attendees at the event, Soludo emphasized the shared ideological foundation between APGA and APC, particularly their commitment to progressivism.
“In 2011, before I joined APGA in 2013, the party took an official position to support and collaborate with the political party and government at the centre.”
“That year, APGA adopted the then-sitting president as its presidential candidate. That policy has not changed,” Soludo explained.
“Coincidentally, Mr. President, the current government at the centre also professes progressivism. As Nigeria’s foremost progressive party, APGA is ideologically and strategically aligned with the centre. Those in the APC are our brothers and sisters,” he added.
Soludo, who is aiming for re-election in November, called for unity among all parties that support a progressive agenda.
“In preparation for this visit, some raised concerns about making it a partisan event. But I insisted the APC in Anambra be allowed to come out in their colours and welcome the president, all in the spirit of progressivism,” he said.
“We are progressives together. Here in Anambra, we know who leads the progressive movement.”
The governor also urged for greater cohesion among centre-left political groups under Tinubu’s leadership.
“Mr. President, it is time for all progressives, federalists, and social democratic-leaning parties to unite in advancing the cause of a united and progressive Nigeria.”
“We request you, as the leader of the largest progressive party, to rally us together in this ideological movement,” Soludo stated.
As part of the president’s visit, all 179 communities in Anambra bestowed upon Tinubu the chieftaincy title “Dike Simba Anambra”, recognizing his leadership and contributions to the state.
Soludo remarked, “This title, along with the overwhelming reception across the state, shows that Anambra people are solidly behind you, Mr. President.”
