2027: My Support for Tinubu Based on 22-Year Friendship, Bold Reforms — Soludo

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that his backing is rooted in a 22-year personal friendship and admiration for the President’s bold economic reforms.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Soludo made it clear that political party affiliations do not override long-standing personal relationships and shared visions.

“President Tinubu is my friend; he has been my friend for 22 years now and counting, so you don’t deny your friend,” Soludo said. “I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the areas of the economy and structural reforms. We’re taking the right steps and we need to stay the course.”

Despite not being a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Soludo emphasized his admiration for Tinubu’s leadership style and urged like-minded political forces to come together in a broad progressive coalition aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and development.

The governor also described the President as being “in high spirits, hale and hearty,” following their private meeting.

Turning to security in Anambra State, Soludo outlined his administration’s holistic approach to tackling insecurity, blending both “kinetic and non-kinetic” strategies. He cited the recent Homeland Security Law, passed in January, as a game-changer in pushing out criminal elements, including traditionalists he described as “deadly native doctors” who mislead young people into violent crimes.

“We’re dealing with insecurity from the foundations,” Soludo said. “We have a one-year skills and empowerment programme where we’ve trained about 5,000 youths, and another 8,700 will receive funding this month or next. We’re creating several thousands of youth millionaires within our first three years.”

He added that his government is investing in youth empowerment, intelligence gathering, infrastructure, and social investment — all aimed at reducing hardship and building sustainable peace.

Soludo’s remarks come at a time of heightened political activity as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, and signal his continued alignment with the current administration’s economic trajectory despite differences in party lines.