By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
President Bola Tinubu’s working visit to Anambra State on May 8 was more than a ceremonial engagement—it was a political masterstroke that reshaped the dynamics of South-East politics.
For Governor Charles Soludo, it validated leadership; for Anambra and the wider Igbo nation, it marked a strategic moment of national reintegration and renewed relevance in the federal equation.
The red carpet reception, high-level participation, and the scope of projects commissioned all point to a moment when governance, political calculation, and national unity converged.
*Legacy projects and state transformation
Within three years and nine months in office, Governor Soludo has rolled out transformative projects reshaping Anambra’s socio-economic architecture. President Tinubu’s tour included the commissioning of the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at UNIZIK, the sprawling multi-billion-naira Solution Fun City, the Anambra Country Club, Family Fun House, and Water and Amusement Parks.
A special highlight was unveiling the Mini City Government House Complex—an audacious project housing over 38 buildings across 25 acres, symbolising a modernised vision of statecraft.
Perhaps the most iconic was the commissioning of the Anambra Tower of Light and statues of Anambra’s greats—Chinua Achebe, Chuba Okadigbo, and Michael Okpara—which paid homage to Igbo heritage and intellectual might.
These are not mere vanity projects; they are part of Soludo’s strategy to foster civic pride, attract investment, and reposition the state as a regional economic hub.
*Bridging infrastructure gaps
Under Soludo’s watch, Anambra has seen the construction of 500km of roads out of the 762km awarded, connecting towns, spurring commerce, and reducing rural-urban disparity. This infrastructural drive has attracted investment opportunities across sectors, from agriculture to technology, helping to realise his “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative and laying the groundwork for sustainable development.
In education and healthcare, the administration’s footprint is visible: over 8,000 teachers’ recruited, free education up to the senior secondary level, expanded primary healthcare, and general hospitals built across LGAs.
His government also cleared over N14bn in pension and gratuity arrears, signalling a commitment to welfare.
*Security and the fight against criminality
Anambra’s security challenges, once exacerbated by separatist tensions and criminal gangs, have seen significant abatement.
Soludo’s uncompromising stance—through the Agụnechemba security outfit—has dislodged armed syndicates, kidnappers, and ritualists, restoring public confidence and reviving economic activity. His proactive stance has earned him accolades and reaffirmed the governor as a strategic partner in the federal government’s security roadmap for the region.
*Political optics and strategic alignment
President Tinubu’s embrace of Soludo’s achievements and public commendation was not lost on observers.
His declaration of support for infrastructural inclusion, revival of the Onitsha River Port, and proposed integration of Anambra into the National Rail Master Plan were concrete commitments with profound political implications.
During the reception at Alex Ekwueme Square, Tinubu’s chieftaincy title of “Dike Si Mba of Anambra” was more than honorary—it was symbolic of Igbo leaders’ willingness to work with the centre and a call for a new era of strategic partnership.
Tinubu’s assurance that the Anambra-Kogi road would be completed and the ecological challenges addressed further reinforced his message of inclusiveness.
He noted, “With Soludo, we can all work together to transform the vision of our country, and we have a solution because we have Soludo.
“Let me commend Soludo and the government of Anambra for their proactive efforts in improving security in the state. I wish to assure the South-East of the Federal government’s assistance by partnering with the area.”
*Endorsements and political realignments
The visit birthed a wave of political endorsements. Soludo, representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), reaffirmed the party’s historical support for the government at the centre.
He further openly endorsed Tinubu for a second term, noting their shared ideological roots in progressivism.
Soludo said, “Our support for President Tinubu is rooted in history on the principles of progressivism and progressive ideology. In 2011, the All Progressives Grand Alliance supported the party holding the government at the centre, which has continued to date. I wish to announce that it has not changed.
“And in the spirit of Awoism and Michael Okpara, we share the same vision of true federalism which you Mr President fought at a very high cost from Action Democrat (AD) to Action Congress (AC) to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now APC and we as a party announce that we shall continue in that stead to support the party at the centre.”
Also, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State and Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Emeka Sibudu, said, “Carry us along, Mr. President, more than before, and let us work together in the area of insecurity. Our Excellency, sir, we are dangerously challenged.
“We believe that with this partnership, we as the people of the South East would continue to support you as you stem the challenges before the South-East.”
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and other dignitaries echoed the call for continuity.
In his goodwill message, Anyaoku acknowledged that governing the pluralist complexity of the Nigerian state is challenging.
He said, “We in Nigeria will continue to pray that you address our country’s pluralistic status. I have confidence that your administration will address our country’s insecurity and economic challenges.”
He also supported the endorsement of Soludo for a second term in office, saying, “Governor Charles Soludo should come back to complete the good works he is doing in Anambra State.
“We, the people of Anambra State, are happy that you honoured the invitation of the people of Anambra to come and commission the wonderful projects of our dear governor, Prof Charles Soludo.”
In turn, industry leaders and captains—including Chief Emeka Offor—openly declared support for Soludo’s re-election bid on November 8, 2025.
“Since Tinubu came into office, the businessmen are happier because we are doing better. You went to Enugu state and commissioned projects even though the governor doesn’t belong to your party.
“Your Excellency, how you have shown your acceptance of Governor Soludo’s projects shows that you have already endorsed him for a second term. I, Sir Emeka Offor, will ensure our governor returns on November 8, 2025.
“By the time our governor returns for his second term in office, he will lead the pilot for your second term in office as President of Nigeria.”
With traditional rulers, business moguls, religious leaders, and regional stakeholders present, the event became a subtle but powerful campaign launch pad for Soludo and Tinubu.
The optics were clear: continuity, consolidation, and cooperation between the state and federal governments.
*The road ahead and implications for South-East
Tinubu’s warm gestures and concrete promises have rekindled hope in a region that has long felt marginalised.
The President said, “We know that Anambra is the gully erosion capital of Nigeria, and we promise to make ecological investments in Anambra State.
“The South East also has a huge gas deposit, but it was bypassed by the National Rail Master Plan, and I stand here to promise you that it will be reverted, and the Ministry of Transport will make the inclusion.
“Also, the Anambra-Kogi road would be made possible and completed, and I agree that this will make the trip to Abuja easier and faster.”
His poise to right historical wrongs, including neglecting Igbo infrastructure and economic potential, now finds a reliable partner in Soludo—a progressive with a national outlook and grassroots depth.
For the opposition parties, the high-stakes political chessboard has been upturned.
Soludo’s broad acceptance and Tinubu’s strategic outreach have made the task of unseating the governor increasingly herculean.
The Tinubu-Soludo meeting in Anambra was not just about projects—it was about setting a new political tone.
One that places performance above partisanship, vision above vendetta, and unity above ethnic rhetoric.
By all indications, Soludo has not only hit the bull’s eye in infrastructure and governance but has also taken a bold step toward redefining Igbo participation in national politics.
For Ndi Anambra and the broader South-East, a new dawn must be met with open minds, collaborative spirit, and unyielding commitment to Nigeria’s collective prayers.
