Soludo Not Defecting to APC, Says Chief of Staff, Denounces “False Narrative” Ahead of Election

 

Speculation that Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo is plotting a defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been flatly rejected by his Chief of Staff, Chief Ernest Ezeajughi. Addressing the matter from the state capital, Awka, on Tuesday, Ezeajughi described the rumours as politically charged misinformation designed to create unrest as the November 8 gubernatorial election draws nearer.

Governor Soludo, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has no intention of switching parties, Ezeajughi affirmed. “Governor Soludo is firmly in the All Progressives Grand Alliance,” he declared, cautioning that narratives linking Soludo’s recent engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a defection plan were both speculative and misleading.

Much of the rumour mill activity appears to have been triggered by President Tinubu’s recent visit to Anambra State, which some political watchers interpreted as a prelude to a potential alliance. Ezeajughi, however, dismissed such interpretations, arguing that cooperation between political figures—especially when it concerns governance and development—should not automatically translate to party switching.

The Chief of Staff highlighted that both APGA and APC, while having progressive inclinations, remain distinct entities with separate political mandates and constituencies. “Ideological parallels do not imply political mergers,” he said. “Some individuals are simply trying to overheat the polity with these false narratives.”

The timing of these rumours, Ezeajughi noted, appears calculated to sow discord as Anambra approaches a critical electoral period. He emphasized that the APC already has its own candidate and running mate set for the November election, making any theory of Soludo’s defection illogical.

Historical context was also brought to bear, with Ezeajughi recalling the cooperative yet independent paths taken by former Anambra governors. From Peter Obi’s working relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan to Willie Obiano’s dealings with President Muhammadu Buhari, Anambra governors have long demonstrated an ability to engage with the federal government constructively without compromising their party loyalty.

According to Ezeajughi, Governor Soludo is simply continuing that tradition. “The governor understands the importance of building bridges across political lines for the sake of Anambra’s growth. That doesn’t mean he’s jumping ship,” he explained.

President Tinubu’s recent visit, he added, should be viewed as a commendation of Governor Soludo’s performance rather than an indication of political maneuvering. From infrastructural development to economic reforms and policy innovation, the state government has made strides that are earning national recognition.

Ezeajughi made it clear that the engagement between President Tinubu and Governor Soludo stemmed from mutual respect and a shared commitment to progressive governance, rather than partisan alignment. “It’s about development, not defection,” he asserted.

On the subject of the fast-approaching election, the Chief of Staff radiated confidence in Governor Soludo’s re-election prospects. However, he also emphasized that the APGA campaign team is not resting on its laurels. “We will reach every one of Anambra’s 326 wards,” he promised. “Our support base is solid, but we are not leaving anything to chance.”

Ezeajughi’s message was ultimately one of reassurance. Amidst the swirling political chatter, he urged the public to focus on facts and track records rather than unfounded rumours. “Let’s not allow baseless claims to distract us from the real issues—governance, development, and the future of Anambra,” he concluded.