Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has banned the wearing of political party uniforms by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and other political groups during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the state today (Thursday).
The directive was issued on Thursday morning through a statement by Soludo’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu.
President Tinubu is expected to participate in a high-level town hall meeting with stakeholders at the newly renovated Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka. To maintain a neutral atmosphere, attendees have been instructed to dress in mufti, with a clear warning that no party-branded clothing or support group uniforms will be allowed.
Obiogbolu said the move is intended to prevent political showmanship or rivalry that could distract from the purpose of the President’s visit.
“This is to inform you that everybody coming to Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, for the reception of President Bola Tinubu tomorrow should be in mufti,” the statement read. “Please, nobody should put on APGA clothes or support group uniforms.”
Sources close to the government said both APC and APGA support groups had already mobilised members to appear in party regalia, prompting the state’s intervention to ensure public decorum and a non-partisan environment.
Reports also suggest that the directive was influenced by concerns from within the APC, which feared that the optics of the visit could be misinterpreted as a lack of confidence in the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, especially in the middle of the election season.
The ban on uniforms was reportedly one of the preconditions for President Tinubu’s agreement to attend the event.
During his visit, the President is expected to commission several major projects, including the new Anambra State Government House, the Solution Fun City, and other infrastructural developments.
