Former senator Ifeanyi Araraume has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term, citing the need for continuity to consolidate ongoing economic and political reforms under the current administration.
Araraume made the endorsement while speaking with journalists at his country home in Isiebu, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, where he argued that the president is constitutionally qualified to seek re-election and has recorded sufficient progress to justify another four-year mandate.
According to him, the reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration require time to mature, stressing that policy consistency remains critical to achieving sustainable national development.
He dismissed concerns that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, noting that the country remains a vibrant multiparty democracy with over 40 registered political parties.
Araraume said the growing membership of the All Progressives Congress does not amount to political coercion, insisting that joining the ruling party is a voluntary decision.
He added that political defections and realignments are a recurring feature of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, recalling similar trends during the long dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party.
On internal party cohesion, the former lawmaker described the APC as a unified political family with coordination across federal, state, and local government structures, saying the party is solidly aligned behind Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
He also disclosed that the APC has begun an electronic membership registration exercise, urging existing members to update their records and encouraging prospective supporters to enlist.
Commenting on political developments in Imo State, Araraume noted that Governor Hope Uzodimma is serving his final term and expressed confidence that the APC would produce credible candidates to succeed him.
He said the party would rally behind whoever emerges as its flagbearer at all levels.
Reflecting on the 2023 general election, Araraume recalled his role as national director of trade and economy for Southern Nigeria in Tinubu’s campaign, covering the South East, South South, and South West.
He expressed optimism that President Tinubu, if re-elected, would deliver stronger results in a second term, arguing that the lessons of the first term would translate into improved governance outcomes.
