Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State on Sunday inaugurated President Bola Tinubu’s presidential re-election campaign structure in the State.
Speaking during the inauguration at the International Convention Centre (ICC) the governor said the grand political coalition formed across key parties in the State represented a battle for the soul of Nigeria Ndigbo and Anambra State.
Soludo Anambra State Coordinator for President Tinubu’s re-election declared that the era of opposition and protest politics practised since 2015 must end in favour of active participation in central governance.
He described the upcoming poll as a battle between emotion and reason emphasising that emotional politics can only dominate temporarily before yielding to strategic calculation.
According to him the primary reason for the gathering of cross-party leaders was to secure Tinubu’s re-election.
Addressing candidates contesting other electoral offices across various political platforms the Governor assured that a level playing field exists for everyone.
He however reiterated that the strategic alliance’s unified focus remains re-electing the President.
Citing historical foundation for the move Soludo recalled that eminent politicians from the state including Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Dr Alex Ekwueme Dr Chuba Okadigbo among others consistently played politics at the central national level.
He noted that Ndigbo cannot afford to separate themselves or become insular in national political dynamics.
‘The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) recognised this imperative and resolved to align with the central administration.
‘APGA and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) share a common progressive ideology anchored on federalism and shared prosperity.
‘President Tinubu understands that true progressives must unite to foster national growth’ he stated.
While advising Ndigbo to evaluate their long-term interests carefully the governor argued that state revenues alone are insufficient to develop major infrastructure assets like federal rail lines and gas pipelines without strong strategic partnerships at the centre.
Governor Soludo noted that despite President Tinubu polling over 5000 votes in Anambra during the 2023 elections the administration has extended significant support to the state.
He questioned what even greater developments the state would attract if the electorate mobilises en masse for him in the upcoming election.
Addressing political realities the Governor remarked that nowhere in world history has a strong incumbent been defeated by a fractured opposition noting his personal record of accurately predicting every presidential election outcome in Nigeria since 1983.
He explained that after the South’s second term presidential power is expected to return to the North before returning to the South around 2039 making it imperative for Ndigbo to be positioned within the central political structure today.
On local politics Soludo said that while he maintains close personal and familiar ties with political rivals differences remain limited to political strategy and ideology.
He also commended ongoing federal fiscal interventions aimed at improving foreign exchange availability for importers acknowledging that while significant progress has been made substantial work remains.
Outlining the operational roadmap the Governor announced that campaign structures across the state will be streamlined before the end of the upcoming week.
He asserted that elections are won strictly at the polling booths and ward levels. He urged supporters to remain steadfast against opposition attacks and online verbal abuse.
He charged them to stay anchored on the truth adding that his decisions are driven by a commitment to secure the future of coming generations.
The inauguration drew widespread representation across party lines including the state leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Accord Party and APGA signifying a broad political realignment behind the President in the forthcoming presidential election in Anambra State.
Speaking at the event State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Emmanuel Anosike admitted to initial scepticism before attending the meeting. Still he expressed deep appreciation for the visible developmental strides taking place in Anambra State.
He said the coalition’s core purpose is to ensure the state participates directly at the centre of national governance.
While appealing for unity among political brethren during this period of national change Anosike clarified that candidates contesting on various party tickets are free to demonstrate their individual capacity. Still all stakeholders must work collectively for the President’s success.
Delivering a message of solidarity APGA National Chairman Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa described the gathering as an unprecedented coalition united under the single mandate of Tinubu’s re-election.
He commended Soludo for his leadership in facilitating the historic alignment and reaffirmed the party’s readiness to execute campaign instructions and deliver victory at the polls.