• Talks based on deepening democracy, security, economic reforms, says President

The visit of the leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, to President Bola Tinubu is eliciting condemnations by stakeholders who see the trip as an admission of fear of possible defeat in the forthcoming governorship elections in the state.

Soludo told reporters after the visit that he has been a close friend of Tinubu for 22 years, adding that he is working for the President’s re-election in 2027 in the spirit of progressives working together.

But the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship poll, Nicolas Ukachukwu, described the Presidential visit as a fruitless venture.

He noted that Soludo is aware of an imminent defeat and is shopping for a helper. Ukachukwu pointed out that Tinubu is the leader of the APC and has given him the mandate to go and take Anambra State for him.

According to him, the governor is acting like “a drowning person, and no amount of window-dressing campaigns and photographs with the President will save him from being humiliated out of office on November 8.”

The APC candidate, in a statement made available to newsmen in Awka, the state capital, through Okechukwu Modebe, likened Soludo’s visit to an eloquent sign of desperation and anxiety.

He said that after allegedly squandering his chances of impacting the lives of the people, the governor is running helter-skelter in search of off-the-field assistance.

Ukachukwu expressed optimism that the party would have its victory party with the August 16 Senatorial by-election in Anambra South, in which Azuka Okwuosa is the flagbearer.

MEANWHILE, Tinubu has revealed details of his discussions with Soludo during the governor’s visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, saying their talks focused on deepening democracy, strengthening security, and advancing economic reforms.

Tinubu, in a post on his official X handle yesterday, described Soludo as “a friend of over two decades,” noting that they both share a vision for progressive governance.

“We discussed the bold reforms underway, the need to stay focused, and the importance of tackling insecurity through decisive action and inclusive opportunities for our teeming youth,” the President said.

He emphasised his administration’s readiness to work with any state that prioritises human, social, and economic development. “Nigeria’s progress is strongest when we work together,” he stated.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his commitment to driving sustainable growth. “We will continue to take a bet on our dear country, Nigeria, to ensure sustainable and shared prosperity for the future,” he added.