Soludo Confirms APGA Will Not Field Presidential Candidate for 2027
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has officially confirmed that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. Speaking during a media chat following his recent inauguration for a second term, Soludo explained that the party is opting for a strategic alliance rather than a solo run for the presidency. He expressed personal support for the incumbent, stating, “President Tinubu is my friend, and I believe he has done well and deserves a second term. I have no apologies about that this is my position.”
The Governor emphasized that while individuals may hold different opinions, the primary motivation behind this decision is the collective welfare of the South-East region. He argued that political survival requires moving beyond personal preferences to focus on “the interest of my people.” Soludo noted that this is not a new path for the party, recalling that “In 2011, APGA did not field a presidential candidate. APGA adopted then-President Jonathan as its candidate.”
Addressing potential concerns from his constituents, Soludo expressed confidence that voters in the South-East would recognize the strategic value of this move. He pointed out the need to align with a winning platform to ensure the region has a voice in the federal government. He remarked, “In Tinubu’s case, how do you communicate that to the South-East? Our people are smart. Once they understand that it is in their own enlightened self-interest, they will see the reasoning.”
Soludo advocated for a return to “bridge-building” politics, drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s First and Second Republics. He argued that the era of “protest politics” has not yielded the desired results for the region and that a shift toward coalition-building is necessary. “We need to get back to the politics of Azikiwe, who taught us to build politics of alliances. It’s not politics of protest; it’s politics that builds bridges,” he said.
The Governor remained pragmatic about the electoral landscape, suggesting that the incumbent’s victory was likely regardless of APGA’s specific participation. However, he insisted that by offering support, the South-East secures its place in the national political framework. He stated, “President Tinubu will win with or without us, but my people deserve a stake on the table,” highlighting the goal of ensuring the region is not marginalized in the next administration.
By choosing not to contest the presidency, APGA intends to focus its resources on consolidating its influence within the South-East while maintaining a partnership with the center. Soludo’s stance signals a significant shift in the party’s national strategy, prioritizing inclusion in the federal government over a symbolic presidential bid. He concluded by reiterating that this alignment is a calculated step toward securing long-term benefits for his people.
