2027: Disquiet As APGA, Soludo Adopt Tinubu
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Tinubu’s second term got a major boost as Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, Thursday, declared that the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, has adopted him as its presidential candidate (Tinubu).
Soludo made the declaration when the President paid a one-day working visit to commission projects.
APGA’s adoption was received with mixed reactions from stakeholders in the South-East.
While it is seen as a major boost for the president as his support base continues to widen in the South-East and South-South zones, critics argue that adoption was done in desperation.
Already, the All Progressives Congress, APC, controls two (Imo and Ebonyi) out of the five states in the South-East zone.
As it stands, the President may be having an edge in the zone as another South-East governor, who is seen as his close ally, may support Tinubu’s second term ambition.
Last week, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the structure of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, moved to the APC.
Similarly, six members of the House of Representatives announced their defections to the APC.
Also, members of the Delta State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Mr. Emomotimi Guwor, formally defected from the PDP to the APC.
During the week, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, two other lawmakers, Sunny Ifada and Yekini Idaiye and former council chairmen pitched their tent with the APC.
Why we’re supporting Tinubu — Soludo
Governor Soludo, who explained the decision of APGA to support Tinubu in 2027, said the party has a culture of supporting the government at the centre.
He insisted that the culture has not changed.
His words: “We have completed over 500 km of roads and many smart schools and water projects, waiting for commissioning. We commissioned over 200 km of roads for Keke riders. The Tower of Light and the monuments of our heroes are symbolic. Ours is an agenda with a deadline in line with our vision of Anambra Dubai-Taiwan. Anambra is clearly on the rise.
“The Anambra people are happy to celebrate the President with the 179 communities, giving you a chieftaincy title. You tamed the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos, and you are courageous in taming the economy. Stay the course, Mr President. We also thank you for appointing Ndi Anambra to various positions.
“Beyond Anambra State, Nigeria will survive, and that is why Anambra State will not only support President Tinubu, but support him to succeed.
“I’m an unrepentant progressive, and APGA had given support to the president in 2011. Today, I want to inform you that the culture of APGA has not changed because we have keyed into the progressive nature and progressives, and we will support Mr. President.
“Strongly rooted in centre progressivism, I want to tell you that that has not changed. APGA has strategically aligned with the centre.”
Tinubu declares support for Soludo’s re-election
Moved by Governor Soludo’s performance in the state, President Tinubu declared support for his re-election in the November 8, election in Anambra State.
While in the state, President Tinubu commissioned some projects executed by the governor, among which were the new Government House, the Solution Fun City, and the iconic Light Tower, which he described as a symbolic project. He also commissioned the Emeka Anyaoku International Centre at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The President, who touched down at the Prof Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri by 12.15p.m., was received by Governor Soludo and a cross-section of Anambra people.
Speaking during a town hall meeting at the Alex Ekwueme Square, also recently reconstructed by Soludo, President Tinubu described the governor as his friend, a brilliant man, a smart brain, and highly connected.
He said: “To me, a reflection of our diversity is present here with the presence of the Progressive Governors. Our diversity will lead to prosperity. There is a solution in Anambra because we have Soludo.
“I stood as a candidate, and I came here to seek your votes during the Presidential election and in less than two years since my assumption of office as your president, I thank you for your encouragement and support.
“I am delighted to be back to commission projects. I come as a great friend. The South-East zone is home to enterprise and strength.
“My visit today bears a bold testament. Soludo is my friend, and I salute his vision, he has the brain, he’s a great thinker, he knows the way, and we will work together.
“Soludo is a person who will bring prosperity to you, and a solid foundation has been laid by him, and Anambra is on the rise. I will work with Soludo as a friend and we will work together to deliver dividends of democracy.”
Speaking specifically about the Light Tower, President Tinubu described it as a wonderful monument.