Soludo Leads APGA Campaign Flag-Off, Adopts Tinubu for 2027 Presidential Election

Governor says progressive forces must unite for national development, cites federal infrastructure projects in South-East as justification for backing president

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has officially flagged off its nationwide campaign for the 2027 general elections, adopting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its presidential candidate and unveiling more than 253 candidates contesting various elective positions across the country.

The event attracted party leaders, candidates, supporters and members from different parts of the country, marking the commencement of APGA’s campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the ceremony, Soludo formally presented party flags to 44 APGA candidates contesting legislative seats in Anambra State, comprising three senatorial candidates, 11 House of Representatives candidates and 30 candidates for the Anambra State House of Assembly.

The governor also announced the party’s decision to adopt President Tinubu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, describing the move as consistent with APGA’s progressive political philosophy and its tradition of supporting candidates considered capable of advancing national development.

APGA Adopts Tinubu As Presidential Candidate

Addressing party faithful at the campaign flag-off, Soludo said APGA’s decision to support Tinubu was informed by the need for progressive political forces to work together in the interest of Nigeria.

He recalled that the party had previously adopted former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2011 and 2015 presidential elections, adding that its decision to support Tinubu in 2027 followed a similar political consideration.

“Today, as we unveil our campaign as the foremost progressive party in Nigeria, we are also officially adopting President Bola Tinubu as the presidential candidate of APGA,” the governor declared.

“We did it in 2011 and 2015 for President Jonathan. We are repeating it in 2027, because progressives are working together to support a President who loves Ndi Igbo and Ndi Anambra.”

The governor said APGA’s support for Tinubu reflected its belief in the importance of political cooperation and strategic engagement in achieving development outcomes for the South-East and Nigeria as a whole.

He maintained that political decisions should be guided by considerations of tangible benefits to the people rather than sentiments or emotional attachment to political affiliations.

Soludo’s announcement represents a significant political development ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in the South-East, where political alignments and the relationship between the region and the Federal Government are expected to feature prominently in electoral discussions.

Soludo Cites Federal Infrastructure Projects

The Anambra governor defended APGA’s decision to support Tinubu by pointing to infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Federal Government in the South-East.

He specifically highlighted the dualisation and rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, alongside other federal infrastructure projects in the region, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to addressing longstanding development concerns.

According to Soludo, political support should be based on practical considerations and the benefits accruing to communities and citizens.

He argued that the relationship between political parties and the Federal Government should be evaluated through the lens of development, economic opportunities and the delivery of public infrastructure.

The governor emphasised that enlightened self-interest and strategic political bargains were important considerations in determining the direction of political support.

He urged APGA members and supporters to understand the implications of the party’s decision and communicate its rationale to voters during the campaign.

The governor’s remarks underscored APGA’s intention to position its relationship with the Tinubu administration as a political arrangement aimed at advancing the interests of Anambra State and the wider South-East.

Soludo Urges Door-To-Door Campaign

Soludo charged APGA candidates and party members to embark on intensive grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections scheduled for January 16 and February 6, 2027.

He called for door-to-door campaigns, urging candidates to take their messages directly to voters and explain the party’s programmes, policies and political choices.

The governor assured the candidates that he would personally participate in campaign activities across the state, stressing that victory would require sustained engagement with the electorate.

He expressed confidence in APGA’s grassroots political structure, which he described as a major asset in its quest to secure electoral victories.

Soludo also urged voters to distinguish between emotional considerations and rational decisions when choosing their political representatives.

He said the party’s candidates should focus on convincing the electorate through their programmes, achievements and commitment to public service.

The governor encouraged party members to remain united and disciplined throughout the campaign, stressing that collective efforts would be necessary to translate APGA’s political strength into electoral success.

Ezeokenwa Commends Soludo Over Primaries

The APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, commended Soludo for what he described as the transparent and competitive conduct of the party’s primaries.

Ezeokenwa said the governor had ensured that the selection of candidates was conducted in accordance with electoral laws and established party procedures.

He described the exercise as an indication of APGA’s commitment to democratic principles and internal party discipline.

The national chairman also attributed the growing number of people joining APGA to Soludo’s leadership and people-oriented policies in Anambra State.

According to him, the party’s increasing membership reflects the confidence Nigerians have in its political direction and governance philosophy.

Reaffirming APGA’s dominance in Anambra State, Ezeokenwa declared that “Anambra State remains APGA land.”

He expressed confidence that the party would secure a decisive electoral mandate in the forthcoming elections.

APGA Targets Electoral Victory

The campaign flag-off signals APGA’s readiness to mobilise its structures nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With more than 253 candidates unveiled at the event, the party is seeking to consolidate its political presence beyond Anambra State while strengthening its electoral prospects in the South-East and other parts of the federation.

The adoption of Tinubu as its presidential candidate also places APGA within the broader political realignments expected to shape the 2027 presidential contest.

For Soludo, the campaign represents an opportunity to mobilise the party’s grassroots network, promote its candidates and reinforce the argument that political cooperation with the Federal Government can deliver tangible benefits to the South-East.

As campaigns gather momentum, APGA’s ability to translate its organisational strength and political alliances into votes will be tested in the coming months.

The party’s leadership has, however, expressed confidence that its candidates will secure victory through grassroots mobilisation, strategic political engagement and the support of voters across the country.