Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has described the political support expressed for President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council as an unusual development in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Soludo spoke on Wednesday, October 14, in Abuja, where he highlighted the participation of political figures from different party backgrounds at the event, describing the gathering as evidence of broad political alignment behind Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The governor, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said his party’s support for the President was driven by shared interests in national unity, security and economic prosperity.
According to a review of the inauguration by the Media and Publicity Team of the Forum of Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals (FORCEPA), Soludo also drew attention to the reported participation of about 31 governors, presenting it as an indication of the breadth of political support represented at the gathering.
However, participation in the event should not automatically be interpreted as a formal endorsement by every governor or as evidence of nationwide electoral consensus.
Soludo, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, also defended the economic direction of the Tinubu administration, describing its approach as “pragmatic progressivism”.
He argued that the administration had chosen to confront structural economic challenges rather than defer difficult policy decisions, adding that its reforms should be assessed against the economic conditions Nigeria faced before Tinubu assumed office.
The governor maintained that addressing long-standing weaknesses in public finance and the wider economy was necessary to establish a foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.
The reforms, however, continue to attract differing assessments. While supporters point to policy adjustments intended to stabilise the economy and encourage investment, critics have raised concerns about the cost of living and the speed at which ordinary Nigerians are experiencing tangible benefits.
Soludo’s participation in the campaign council’s inauguration also highlights the distinction between party membership and political cooperation. His continued affiliation with APGA, despite expressing support for Tinubu’s re-election, reflects the cross-party alliances emerging ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The FORCEPA Media and Publicity Team said Soludo’s contribution placed economic policy, institutional performance and national development at the centre of discussions surrounding the forthcoming election.
The governor’s remarks add to the ongoing debate over the Tinubu administration’s economic record and the political relationships shaping the contest for the presidency in 2027.
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