The political landscape of Anambra has shifted significantly following the May 8, 2025, state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His visit was more than ceremonial — it was deeply symbolic, strategic, and, for discerning observers, a bold endorsement of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s re-election ambition in 2025. The message was loud and clear: 4+4 is the goal.
From the moment President Tinubu stepped foot in Awka, the warmth, synergy, and mutual respect between him and Governor Soludo was evident. Beyond politics, it was a show of alignment — two reform-minded leaders, one at the center and the other at the state level, speaking the same language of development, vision, and national transformation.
During his speech, Tinubu referred to Soludo not just as a governor, but as a longtime friend and trusted ally since 2003. He praised Soludo’s intelligence, vision, and capacity to lead, even citing Soludo’s bold banking consolidation reform as a reference point. “Soludo has the brain. He is a thinker. He knows the way,” Tinubu said — words that carry far more weight than political slogans.
The President’s glowing remarks and active participation in commissioning key projects — including the Solution Fun City and the Government House Mini-City — validated Soludo’s performance and vision for Anambra. These were not mere photo ops; they were strong political signals.
To opposition parties hoping to wrest power in 2025, President Tinubu’s visit should be a wake-up call. Not only did he praise Soludo’s governance, but he also received a chieftaincy title from the traditional rulers of Anambra — becoming a “Son of the Soil” in every sense. In politics, this isn’t just culture; it’s consensus-building.
There are whispers that President Tinubu — who is also eyeing another four years in 2027 — may have struck a gentleman’s agreement with Soludo to maintain peace and synergy in the Southeast. It’s a smart move: Tinubu needs the Southeast to stabilize, and Soludo has become the face of that stability.
Nicholas Ukachukwu, the rumored APC hopeful, does not carry the same political weight, vision, or public appeal. He may have ambition, but he is not a goal-getter. In politics, strategy wins elections — and right now, Soludo has the backing of not just his people, but also the presidency.
Even within the APC, there’s likely to be internal reluctance to fully challenge Soludo in 2025. Tinubu, who needs strong allies in 2027, may prefer Soludo’s continued leadership in Anambra to avoid unnecessary fragmentation in a region still recovering from political alienation.
Governor Soludo has already laid a solid foundation with infrastructure, education, health, and digital economy initiatives. With visible results across Anambra, the people are seeing the dividends of governance. Tinubu’s visit was not only a political boost — it was a public seal of approval.
For those doubting Soludo’s chances in the upcoming governorship election, the writing is on the wall: 4+4 is signed, sealed, and politically assured. The real opposition now is not in other parties, but in apathy — and Soludo is doing everything to keep the people engaged and inspired.
Conclusion
Anambra 2025 will not be a typical election. With Tinubu’s quiet but powerful nod, Soludo isn’t just running for re-election — he’s running with federal blessings. In Nigeria’s political chessboard, this is checkmate. The opposition may need to save their money and energy — Soludo is the goal, 4+4 is the deal.
