JUST IN: Soludo backs Tinubu, calls for progressive coalition across parties

By Kunle Sanni –

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has openly declared his support for President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a friend of over two decades and commending his economic and structural reforms.

Speaking with State House Correspondents on Tuesday after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Soludo said: “President Tinubu is my friend. He has been my friend for 22 years and counting, so you don’t deny your friend. I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the areas of the economy and structural reforms. We’re taking the right steps and we need to stay the course.”

When asked why he would endorse a leader from a different political party, the governor said progressives across party lines should unite to deepen democracy and drive Nigeria’s economic and social development.

He recalled that even during Tinubu’s visit to Anambra State, political banners and billboards emphasized the theme of “progressives working together.”

On the issue of insecurity in Anambra, Soludo outlined a comprehensive approach combining kinetic and non-kinetic measures.

He noted that the state’s Homeland Security Law, passed in January, has helped curb criminality, while youth empowerment programmes have created thousands of jobs.

According to him, about 5,000 young people have already been trained and empowered, with another 8,700 set to benefit from funding in the coming months.

“We’re creating several thousands of youth millionaires within the first three years,” he said, adding that infrastructure development, education, healthcare improvements, and intelligence gathering are all part of the strategy to secure the state and improve livelihoods.