Tensions Rise as Tinubu’s Planned Visit to Anambra on May 8 Sparks Political Storm Between APC and APGA

 

A scheduled visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Anambra State has ignited a political firestorm, revealing a deepening rift between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the party currently governing the southeastern state.

According to the Anambra State Government, President Tinubu is slated to visit on May 8th, 2025, to commission several completed infrastructure projects under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. The developments include the newly built Government House, which APGA officials have touted as a symbol of Soludo's commitment to infrastructural growth and good governance.

The President’s planned presence has triggered anxiety within APC ranks, especially among party stakeholders in the state, many of whom view the visit as a potentially powerful endorsement of Soludo, who is widely expected to seek re-election. With the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, the timing of the visit is seen by some as politically sensitive, possibly tilting the scales in Soludo’s favor.

One APC stalwart, who spoke under condition of anonymity, voiced concerns that the optics of the President commissioning projects by a governor from a rival party might send the wrong signal to the electorate. “We are heading into a crucial election,” the APC chieftain said. “It is not ideal for the President, who is our leader, to be seen celebrating the achievements of someone we hope to replace.”

Reactions have been swift and mixed. While some APC members fear the visit might hand Soludo political capital on a silver platter, others within the APGA camp have interpreted it as a well-earned recognition of Governor Soludo’s accomplishments. For the APGA leadership, Tinubu’s visit would be a testament to non-partisan acknowledgment of development, transcending party lines.

“The President’s visit is not about politics but progress,” said one senior APGA official. “It is about celebrating work done in the interest of the people. Good roads, a new Government House, and institutional reform shouldn't be seen through a partisan lens.”

As speculation intensifies, sources close to Aso Rock suggest that the President might reconsider attending the event in person. The option of sending a high-level delegation to represent him is reportedly being weighed as a diplomatic way to prevent further political friction in a state already known for its complex political terrain.

Amid the party back-and-forth, ordinary citizens in Anambra have expressed their perspectives, many of them urging that governance and development should take precedence over party rivalry. Emma Eze, a resident of Awka, emphasized, “What matters most is that promises made to the people are being fulfilled. Whether the projects were delivered by APGA or APC shouldn't be the issue. The focus should be on performance.”

Social media has also been abuzz with divergent views. Victor Chigozie Eneh, a known commentator on local political affairs, offered a mix of sarcasm and praise in his Facebook post. He noted that many APGA supporters who once criticized the President are now celebrating his scheduled arrival. “Mr. President is now a good leader because he agreed to come and commission the new Government House built by the ‘outgoing’ Gov Soludo,” he wrote.

Despite his critique, Eneh acknowledged Tinubu’s statesmanship in accepting APGA’s invitation and humorously projected that the President would return to Anambra again on March 17, 2026, to inaugurate APC’s candidate, Prince Evangelist Nicholas Ukachukwu, as the next governor. “We welcome President Tinubu to Anambra,” he added, striking a balance between sarcasm and hospitality.

The evolving scenario reveals not only the heightened stakes of the upcoming governorship race but also the delicate balancing act expected from national leaders when navigating inter-party dynamics. President Tinubu, known for his political acumen, now faces the challenge of walking a tightrope—either reaffirming his statesmanlike credentials by honoring the APGA invitation or retreating to protect his party’s interests.

Observers say the decision will send a message far beyond Anambra State. “This is a test of President Tinubu’s ability to be a unifying leader, while also managing the political expectations of his party,” noted political analyst Kenechukwu Obi. “How he handles this visit could either diffuse the tension or inflame it further.”

As of now, the Presidency remains officially silent on whether Tinubu will attend the event personally or opt for a more neutral representation. What remains clear is that the President’s next move will be closely watched, not just in Anambra, but across the nation as parties gear up for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election season.

Will Tinubu rise above party politics to celebrate developmental progress, or will he prioritize party loyalty in a bid to secure APC’s hold on another state? The answer may shape the future of political collaboration—and competition—in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.