APGA Dispels Anambra Tension Claims, Welcomes President Tinubu’s Visit as Celebration of Soludo’s Legacy

 

As the countdown begins for President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Anambra State on May 8, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has firmly dismissed reports suggesting political tension or rivalry in the region. The party, currently at the helm of affairs in the state, categorically labelled such claims as unfounded and politically motivated.

Addressing what he described as a "fabricated narrative", Chinedu Obigwe, the National Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors Forum, issued a strongly worded statement on Sunday that took aim at those spreading the rumors. According to Obigwe, the stories about discord between APGA and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the presidential visit are “baseless” and a “deliberate attempt to incite unnecessary panic”.

Obigwe did not mince words, asserting that the reports are the work of hired propagandists, allegedly in the employ of political rivals. He claimed the originators of the rumor were financially incentivized to destabilize the political atmosphere in the state, pointing fingers specifically at APC sympathizers. “It is the handiwork of a ‘pay as you go’ writer, desperately justifying the millions of naira collected from the APC camp,” he alleged.

Far from a state of unrest, Obigwe described Anambra as enjoying a serene and celebratory atmosphere. He painted a picture of a people eagerly anticipating the president’s arrival, not in dread or division, but in pride and appreciation for the achievements of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

“Anambra is peaceful and calm like ice water,” he said metaphorically, emphasizing that the narrative of turmoil stands in stark contrast to the reality on ground. “The people of the state are already set to welcome President Tinubu to the state to commission signature projects of our beloved governor.”

Obigwe insisted that President Tinubu’s visit is not a partisan affair, but a commendation of effective governance and developmental strides. According to him, it should be viewed as a national endorsement of progress rather than a trigger for political competition. “Everything must not be politicised. What the President is coming to do in Anambra is to celebrate Governor Soludo’s achievements with the people,” he said.

The media strategist for APGA continued by highlighting the governor’s accomplishments, stating that no other leader in the history of the state has matched Soludo’s track record within such a short tenure of just over three years. He listed infrastructural development, economic reforms, and social intervention programs among the governor’s signature achievements, asserting that these milestones are why the people are in a festive mood.

The mood among Anambra citizens, he said, is best captured in the popular sentiment: “one good turn deserves another.” This, he noted, is an organic expression of widespread support for Soludo’s second term bid, a campaign he claimed is being powered by performance, not propaganda.

Responding to insinuations that the APC is positioning itself for a takeover of the state, Obigwe downplayed such ambitions as unrealistic. He accused the opposition of resorting to “buying people with money” rather than building trust and earning electoral legitimacy. “We are saying it authoritatively that the writer peddling the false rumour of ‘tension in Anambra’ is among the people they bought to promote their dead-on-arrival governorship ambition,” he stated.

The APGA chieftain maintained that rather than fear or rivalry, the dominant emotion in Anambra today is celebration. He believes Tinubu’s visit will serve as a morale boost not just for the state, but for other governors across the federation, proving that development and good governance can be recognized and applauded on a national stage regardless of political affiliation.

Political analysts observing the developments say the President’s visit could prove to be a unifying moment if managed with tact, especially given Nigeria’s often polarised political climate. The commissioning of state projects by a President from a different political party could signal a maturing democracy, where performance overshadows partisanship.

As the date of the visit draws closer, both the federal and state security apparatuses are reportedly coordinating efforts to ensure a hitch-free event. The anticipated commissioning of Governor Soludo’s signature projects is expected to attract stakeholders from across the nation, with large turnouts expected in Awka and surrounding towns.

APGA’s latest remarks appear designed not only to counteract the tension narrative but to reinforce a message of pride, unity, and continued support for their governor. Whether or not the visit carries deeper political implications, one thing remains clear: Anambra, under Soludo, intends to showcase its progress rather than dwell on partisan skirmishes.