Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has confirmed that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will not present a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a media interaction shortly after his inauguration for a second term, Soludo revealed that the party has instead decided to throw its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the next election.
The governor used the platform to outline the party’s political direction and explain the rationale behind APGA’s decision to refrain from contesting the presidency.
President of Nigeria
“President Tinubu is my friend, and I believe he has performed well and deserves a second term. I have no apologies for this position; this is my stance,” he stated.
Soludo noted that Nigerians may hold differing views, but his decision is informed by what he considers the broader interests of the South-East region, particularly the people of Anambra State.
He also highlighted that the party’s strategy is consistent with its historical approach. According to him, APGA has previously chosen to back a consensus candidate rather than field its own. “We are not going to field a candidate in our party. This is not new. In 2011, APGA did not present a presidential candidate; instead, we supported then-President Goodluck Jonathan,” Soludo said.
Addressing concerns over how this alignment may be perceived in the South-East, the governor expressed confidence that citizens would appreciate the reasoning once properly communicated. “Our people are intelligent. Once they understand that this is in their enlightened self-interest, they will see the logic behind it,” he added.
Soludo also called for a return to coalition politics, drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s early political history. He emphasized the value of alliances over confrontational politics, arguing that collaborative approaches better serve regional interests.
“We need to return to the politics of Azikiwe, which focused on building alliances rather than protest. It’s about bridging gaps. President Tinubu will win with or without us, but my people deserve a stake at the table,” the governor concluded.
