…“It was such a pleasure to meet with him; it was a very pleasant meeting,” Soludo said.
ABUJA, NIGERIA: The iNews Times | Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has once again publicly declared his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that their friendship of over two decades is too strong to be denied.
Speaking to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, August 12, Soludo appeared in a white cap bearing Tinubu’s insignia and the inscription “Progressives are working together.” The gesture, he explained, was symbolic of his belief that all political parties committed to progressive ideals should join forces to drive Nigeria’s growth and stability.
“It was such a pleasure to meet with him; it was a very pleasant meeting,” Soludo said, noting that the President was in “high spirits, healthy, and hale.”
The governor, who leads the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made it clear that political party differences should not stand in the way of national interest. He revealed that the caps were originally produced during Tinubu’s visit to Anambra State, when billboards carrying the same message were displayed across strategic locations.
“This is a fundamental belief I hold that all political parties that profess progressivism should unite in a massive coalition to strengthen our democracy and advance the country’s economic and social development,” he stressed. “Regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I have no apologies for my support. He has been my friend for 22 years and counting; you do not deny your friend. I fully support him and am impressed by the bold economic and structural reforms he has implemented. We are on the right path, and we need to stay the course.”
Soludo particularly lauded the President’s recent reforms in the economy and structural sectors, describing them as decisive steps toward repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth. According to him, the government’s willingness to take bold decisions, even when initially unpopular, is a mark of genuine leadership.
“The reforms are not for short-term applause but for long-term gains,” Soludo said. “If we must fix this country, we must be ready to take tough decisions and endure the necessary adjustments.”
Away from national politics, Soludo used the opportunity to brief reporters on security efforts in his home state. He disclosed that his administration had “dealt decisively” with individuals he described as “deadly native doctors” in Anambra, accusing them of deceiving young people with false spiritual promises and luring them into criminal activities.
“They are now on the run,” he said confidently, adding that his government will not relent in dismantling any structures or networks that promote insecurity.
Soludo emphasised that the slogan “Progressives are working together” is not mere political rhetoric but a call to action for all leaders and parties who share the same ideological vision for Nigeria.
“For me, this is about putting Nigeria first,” he said. “Progressivism is not exclusive to one political party. It is a philosophy of governance that prioritises people-centred policies, social justice, economic opportunity, and sustainable development. If we truly believe in these ideals, then we must collaborate regardless of our party flags.”
Although the 2027 elections are still two years away, Soludo’s repeated endorsement of President Tinubu has fuelled discussions in political circles about possible alliances between APGA and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Observers say the governor’s openness in aligning with the President could signal broader political realignments in the build-up to the polls.
Political analysts also note that Soludo’s stance could influence voting patterns in the South-East, where Tinubu and the APC have historically faced strong opposition.
For now, the Anambra governor appears focused on governance at the state level while maintaining his personal and political friendship with the President. “We are on the right path,” Soludo concluded. “What we need now is unity among progressives and a collective determination to see Nigeria succeed.”
