By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has inaugurated the campaign structure for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in the state, calling on Ndigbo to embrace greater participation in national politics.
Soludo made the call on Sunday, November 1, 2026, during the inauguration of the presidential campaign structure at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Awka.
The governor, who serves as the Anambra State Coordinator of Tinubu’s re-election campaign, described the political alliance involving leaders from different parties as a battle for the soul of Nigeria, the South-East and Anambra State.
He said the coalition was formed primarily to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election, stressing that political differences should not prevent stakeholders from working towards a common national objective.
Addressing candidates contesting other elective positions on different party platforms, Soludo assured them of a level playing field, while emphasising that the central focus of the alliance remained the President’s re-election.
Providing historical context for the political realignment, the governor recalled the roles played by prominent Igbo leaders, including Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr Alex Ekwueme and Dr Chuba Okadigbo, in national politics.
He argued that the South-East could not afford to isolate itself from national political developments, urging the people to position themselves strategically within the country’s political structure.
According to him, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) recognised the importance of national political engagement and decided to align with the Federal Government.
Soludo said APGA and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) shared progressive ideals, particularly federalism and shared prosperity.
Reflecting on his political journey, which he said began in 1980 under the philosophy of “one nation, one destiny”, the governor urged Ndigbo to consider the long-term benefits of strategic political partnerships.
He noted that state resources alone might not be sufficient to deliver major infrastructure projects, including federal rail lines and gas pipelines, without effective collaboration with the Federal Government.
Soludo also highlighted the Federal Government’s support for Anambra despite Tinubu receiving just over 5,000 votes in the state during the 2023 presidential election.
He questioned the level of development Anambra could attract if more residents supported the President in the next election, arguing that the state should move away from what he described as opposition and protest politics towards active participation in national governance.
The governor further argued that a divided opposition would struggle to defeat a strong incumbent, adding that his political experience had enabled him to correctly predict Nigeria’s presidential election outcomes since 1983.
On the future of presidential power rotation, Soludo said the South-East needed to strategically position itself within the national political arrangement, noting that presidential power was expected to return to the North after the South completes its second term before shifting back to the South around 2039.
He also called on supporters to remain focused despite political disagreements and criticism, insisting that elections were won through effective mobilisation at polling units and ward levels.
Outlining the campaign strategy, Soludo announced that political structures across the state would be streamlined before the end of the following week.
He urged supporters to remain committed to the campaign and avoid being distracted by attacks and verbal exchanges on social media.
The inauguration attracted political leaders and stakeholders from different parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party and APGA, in what appeared to be a broad political realignment in support of Tinubu’s re-election.
Speaking at the event, Senator Anosike said he had initially been sceptical about the political gathering but expressed appreciation for the development projects taking place in Anambra State.
He said the coalition was aimed at ensuring that the state became more actively involved in national governance.
Anosike urged political stakeholders to maintain unity, stressing that while candidates could pursue their individual ambitions on different party platforms, they should work together to support the President’s re-election.
Similarly, APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, described the gathering as an unprecedented political coalition united by the common objective of securing Tinubu’s re-election.
He commended Soludo for facilitating the alliance and assured the governor of the party’s readiness to mobilise its structures towards achieving the campaign’s objectives.
