Some All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates in Anambra State have expressed concerns that Governor Chukwuma Soludo's decision to coordinate President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign could undermine their chances of winning legislative seats in 2027. The candidates, who wish to remain anonymous, believe Soludo's alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) may create uncertainty within APGA. They fear dissatisfied voters might abandon APGA candidates for those of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Soludo, the APGA leader in Anambra, was appointed as the coordinator of Tinubu's 2027 Presidential Campaign Council in the state on October 14. This move has generated discontent among some APGA candidates seeking Senate, House of Representatives, and Anambra State House of Assembly seats. They worry that the political realignment could weaken APGA's independent identity and create difficulties when campaigning in a state where former Anambra State governor Peter Obi enjoys considerable support.
A House of Representatives candidate in Awka, speaking anonymously, said APGA candidates are unhappy with Soludo's decision, which has affected political activities across the state. The candidate expressed concern that voters might punish APGA candidates for Soludo's support for Tinubu by voting for NDC candidates. She disclosed that campaign activities have slowed down due to uncertainty about how to approach the situation.
The candidate accused Soludo of failing to consult party members before entering into the political arrangement. She claimed that APGA candidates are now worried about the consequences of his decision and may lose their seats if voters express dissatisfaction through their votes. The candidate warned that even popular APGA candidates could lose if voters decide to punish Soludo's decision.
A candidate for the Anambra State House of Assembly said the disagreement over Soludo's appointment has deepened internal tensions within APGA. Several party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters are uncomfortable with the governor's decision, which they believe could affect the electoral fortunes of candidates contesting legislative positions. Many APGA candidates fear voters might cast sympathy votes for NDC candidates as a way of expressing displeasure with Soludo's support for the ruling party.
However, APGA Publicity Secretary in Anambra State, Ejimofor Opara, dismissed concerns that Soludo's decision would undermine the party's candidates. Opara said APGA is supporting Tinubu's presidential ambition while remaining committed to winning the Senate, House of Representatives, and state assembly elections in Anambra. He maintained that the party's candidates, supporters, and voters have been informed about the arrangement.
The concerns in Anambra come amid similar disagreements in Osun State, where some APC candidates have expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu's decision to appoint Governor Ademola Adeleke as the coordinator of his presidential campaign. Some APC candidates in Osun reportedly believe Adeleke's involvement could strengthen Accord candidates at their expense.
Key points
- APGA candidates in Anambra State fear Governor Chukwuma Soludo's support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election could cost them legislative seats in 2027.
- Soludo's decision has generated discontent among some APGA candidates seeking Senate, House of Representatives, and Anambra State House of Assembly seats.
- The situation has sparked concerns that voters might punish APGA candidates for Soludo's support for Tinubu by voting for NDC candidates.
