Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, on Tuesday visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, arriving for a closed-door meeting dressed in red traditional attire and a white Faze cap emblazoned with the president’s insignia.
Soludo, who has governed Anambra since March 2022 after succeeding Willie Obiano, is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) but has openly declared his support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Before venturing into politics, he served as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 2004 to 2009.
The Anambra governor is also seeking re-election in the state’s November 8 gubernatorial poll. Speaking after his meeting with the president, Soludo described Tinubu as a personal friend of over 22 years and insisted that political differences would not affect their relationship.
“I have no apologies about it. President Tinubu is my friend. He has been my friend for 22 years now and counting, so you don’t deny your friend,” Soludo said. “I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the areas of the economy and structural reforms. We are taking the right steps, and we need to stay the course.”
He further explained that his political stance was shaped by a broader ideological belief that all parties with progressive leanings should form a coalition to strengthen democracy and drive economic and social development.
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“You saw all the billboards proclaiming that progressives are working together. It is a fundamental idea that I believe very strongly—that all those political parties who profess progressivism should actually come together in a massive coalition,” he stated.
On the security situation in Anambra, Soludo said his administration is implementing a dual approach, combining kinetic (security operations) and non-kinetic (development-oriented) strategies. He highlighted the Homeland Security Law, passed in January, which is being enforced alongside a clampdown on criminal groups, particularly those preying on the youth.
“Our non-kinetic approach focuses on youth empowerment and job creation. We have a unique skills training programme that has already empowered about 5,000 youths, with thousands more set to benefit financially soon. We are creating thousands of youth millionaires within the next three years. The youth are very much involved,” he added.
