Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s cordial relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appears to have significantly strengthened his position ahead of Anambra State’s November 8 gubernatorial election, following a strategic meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Political observers suggest that the governor’s demonstrative support for the president during the meeting may have effectively sealed the fate of other contenders in the upcoming gubernatorial contest, as the incumbent governor appears poised to benefit from federal backing.
The meeting, which took place at 2:00 PM WAT, saw Soludo openly display solidarity with President Tinubu, citing their 22-year friendship and shared progressive ideals. “I have no apologies about it. President Tinubu is my friend, has been my friend, (for) 22 years now and counting,” the governor stated to journalists after the closed-door session.
In a symbolic gesture that underscored his alignment, Soludo donned a cap emblazoned with pro-Tinubu inscriptions during the visit. The visual display of loyalty was captured by State House photographers, reinforcing the political significance of their alliance.
The timing of Soludo’s display of solidarity is particularly strategic, coming just months before he seeks a second term as Anambra governor. Industry observers note that his public backing of the president could translate into crucial federal government support for his re-election campaign, potentially giving him a decisive advantage over opposition candidates.
Speaking after the meeting, Soludo praised Tinubu’s economic reforms and described their discussion as “quite pleasant.” The governor clearly stated that “progressives are working together,” emphasising that all political parties committed to progressivism are collaborating. He lauded President Tinubu’s bold initiatives, particularly his reforms in the economy and structural sectors.
The Anambra governor, a former Central Bank of Nigeria chief who served from 2004 to 2009, has consistently maintained that political party affiliations should not interfere with personal relationships. Despite belonging to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) while Tinubu leads the All Progressives Congress (APC), their cross-party friendship has flourished.
The Presidential Villa meeting builds on the foundation established during President Tinubu’s visit to Anambra State in May 2025, when he commissioned several infrastructure projects executed by Soludo’s administration, including the new Anambra State Government House.
It is speculated that Tuesday’s meeting was connected with the forthcoming governorship election, where federal backing could prove crucial. The closed-door discussions reportedly centred on infrastructure projects, economic development, and security challenges affecting Anambra State.
The governor’s show of support marks a significant political development, as he becomes one of the first opposition party governors to openly demonstrate such alignment with Tinubu. The move signals a potential shift in political dynamics within the South-East region, traditionally considered an opposition stronghold.
The strategic alliance could influence other regional leaders to consider cross-party collaborations ahead of the 2027 polls, demonstrating the growing trend of political cooperation across party lines on issues of national development and economic reform.
For other gubernatorial contenders in Anambra, Soludo’s proximity to federal power presents a formidable challenge. The incumbent’s ability to leverage his relationship with the presidency for state development projects and federal support may prove difficult for opposition candidates to counter.
Both leaders are expected to continue their dialogue on matters affecting Anambra State and the broader South-East region, with potential implications for federal government backing of ongoing development projects and Soludo’s re-election prospects in the November contest.
The meeting was documented extensively by State House photographers, with images showing the two leaders in cordial discussions, providing visual evidence of their enduring friendship and political collaboration that could reshape the November gubernatorial election landscape.
