By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has declared that the grand political coalition formed across key parties in Anambra State represents a battle for the soul of Nigeria, Ndigbo, and Anambra State.

Soludo who made the declaration during the inauguration of the presidential campaign structure at the International Convention Center (ICC), Awka, stressed that emotional politics can only dominate temporarily before yielding to strategic calculation.

He explained that the primary reason for the gathering of cross-party leaders was to secure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

While addressing candidates contesting other electoral positions across various political platforms, the Governor assured that a level playing ground exists for everyone, but reiterated that the unified focus of the strategic alliance remains the re-election of the President.

Providing a historical foundation for the move, Soludo recalled that eminent statesmen from the state, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Dr Chuba Okadigbo, among others, consistently played politics at the central national level.

He said, "Ndigbo cannot afford to separate themselves or become insular in national political dynamics.

"The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) recognized this imperative and resolved to align with the central administration.

"APGA and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) share a common progressive ideology anchored on federalism and shared prosperity. President Tinubu understands that true progressives must unite to foster national growth.

Recalling his political journey which began in 1980 under the ideals of "one nation, one destiny," Governor Soludo reflected on historical political trends, noting that when Nnamdi Azikiwe ran for president, Alex Ekwueme emerged as Vice President through central alignment. He asked Ndi Igbo to carefully evaluate their long-term interests, emphasizing that state revenues alone are insufficient to develop major infrastructural assets like federal rail lines and gas pipelines without strong strategic partnerships at the center.

Governor Soludo noted that despite President Tinubu polling over 5,000 votes in Anambra during the 2023 elections, the administration has extended significant support to the state. He questioned what even greater developments the state would attract if the electorate mobilizes en masse for him in the upcoming election. He declared that the era of opposition and protest politics practiced since 2015 must end in favor of active participation in central governance.

Addressing political realities, the Governor remarked that nowhere in world history has a strong incumbent been defeated by a fractured opposition, noting his personal record of accurately predicting every presidential election outcome in Nigeria since 1983. He explained that following the completion of the South’s second term, presidential power is expected to return to the North before returning to the South around 2039, making it imperative for Ndigbo to be positioned within the central political structure today.

On local politics, Governor Soludo remarked that while he maintains close personal and familiar ties with political rivals, differences remain strictly limited to political strategy and ideologies. He also commended ongoing federal fiscal interventions aimed at improving foreign exchange availability for importers, acknowledging that while significant progress has been achieved, substantial work remains ahead.

Outlining the operational roadmap, Governor Soludo announced that campaign structures across the state will be streamlined before the end of the upcoming week. He asserted that elections are won strictly at the polling booths and ward levels. He urged supporters to remain steadfast against opposition attacks and online verbal abuse. He charged them to stay anchored on the truth, adding that his decisions are driven by a commitment to secure the future of coming generations.

The inauguration drew widespread representation across party lines, including the state leadership of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, and APGA, signifying a broad political realignment behind the President in the forthcoming presidential election in Anambra State.

Speaking at the event, Senator Anosike admitted to initial skepticism prior to attending the meeting but expressed deep appreciation for the visible developmental strides taking place in Anambra State. He stated that the core purpose of the coalition is to ensure the state participates directly at the center of national governance.

While appealing for unity among political brethren during this period of national change, Senator Anosike clarified that while candidates contesting on various party tickets are free to demonstrate their individual capacity, all stakeholders must work collectively for the success of the President.

Delivering a message of solidarity, the APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, described the gathering as an unprecedented coalition united under the single mandate of President Tinubu's re-election. He commended Governor Soludo for his leadership in facilitating the historic alignment and reaffirmed the full readiness of the party structure to execute campaign instructions and deliver victory at the polls.