…says ‘Soludo is my friend’, Umahi declares, ‘no one can challenge him’

By Romanus Udekwe Okue-Agbomma

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was conspicuously absent from the All Progressives Congress supposed mega rally held Friday evening in Onitsha, just seven days before the 8 November gubernatorial election, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio representing him at the event.

The President’s absence comes amidst intense political manoeuvring in the state, where incumbent Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has been promoting a “Progressives working together” concept that has blurred traditional party lines and emphasised his 22-year friendship with Tinubu. APC sympathisers claim the rally drew over a million supporters to Onitsha in support of the party’s candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.

The timing of the campaign launch has drawn sharp criticism. “The APC flagging off their campaign just one week before the election is evidence the party was not serious about the contest,” the remarks highlight the abbreviated timeline for the APC’s ground campaign in a state where the All Progressives Grand Alliance has held power.

The campaign has been further complicated by Governor Soludo’s emphasis on progressive unity across party lines. The governor has openly discussed his longstanding relationship with President Tinubu, stating he has “no apologies” for their friendship. This mutual recognition has manifested visibly across the state, with billboards proclaiming “Progressives working together” appearing prominently, some featuring President Tinubu’s image. Soludo has described the concept as “a fundamental idea” for all who believe in progressive politics to unite, regardless of partisan affiliation.

Earlier in March, during the flag-off of the Second Niger Bridge access road at Ogbunike, the minister for works, Senator Dave Umahi had showered praises on Soludo, stating: “I’m elated by what I have seen. The quality of your roads; and you know I was a governor for eight years and registered significant achievements in roads construction, but I’m impressed by the quality of your roads.” The minister went further, declaring: “I don’t see anyone that can challenge you in the election. No one. Who is that, I don’t see any.” These remarks from a high-ranking APC member infuriated party faithful, who saw them as sabotage capable of derailing their efforts to take over the state.

Similarly, during his state visit to Awka in May, President Tinubu publicly affirmed his bond with Soludo, telling the people of Anambra: “Charles Soludo has been my friend since 2003, and I can also confirm that we are working together for a better Anambra and Nigeria.” The President recalled telling voters during his campaign: “Charles Soludo, your son…is still my friend. I salute his vision. He is a brilliant man. He has the brain. He is a thinker. He knows the way. We will work together inclusively.” Tinubu added during the visit: “Your son, Soludo is my very good friend. He remains my friend and we will keep working together.”

Adding to the political intrigue, caps bearing Tinubu’s insignia have raised questions about the relationship between APGA and the APC-led federal government. These items were produced when the President visited Anambra, further blurring the lines between state and federal political allegiances.

Beyond the political symbolism, however, Soludo’s campaign has emphasised grassroots backing, including emotional moments at campaign stops. Market women recently donated N50,000 to his re-election bid, citing appreciation for his administration’s free education and healthcare policies. The gesture underscores the ground-level support the incumbent has cultivated through his policy initiatives.

The 8 November election features two major camps: Professor Soludo seeking re-election on the APGA platform on one side, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC, alongside candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party on the other. Both major campaigns have expressed confidence about victory, with the outcome to be decided by Anambra voters in days.

The election comes at a time of heightened political interest in the state, with questions about federal-state relationships, party loyalty and policy continuity dominating the final week of campaigning.