Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

Soludo disclosed this during a media chat shortly after his inauguration for a second term, explaining that the decision aligns with the broader political and strategic interests of the South-East.

The governor expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he deserves a second term in office.

“President Tinubu is my friend, and I believe he has done well and deserves a second term. I have no apologies about that; this is my position,” Soludo said, noting that while differing opinions are expected, the overriding concern remains the welfare of his people.

He further explained that APGA’s approach is not unprecedented, recalling that the party did not field a presidential candidate in 2011 but instead adopted then-President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate.

According to Soludo, efforts would be made to communicate the party’s position to stakeholders across the South-East, expressing confidence that the rationale would be understood.

“Our people are smart. Once they understand that it is in their enlightened self-interest, they will see the reasoning,” he said.

The governor also underscored the importance of political alliances, drawing from the legacy of Nnamdi Azikiwe and the coalition-building politics of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics.

“We need to return to the politics of alliances. It’s not politics of protest; it’s politics that builds bridges,” Soludo stated.

He added that while President Tinubu could secure victory with or without APGA’s support, aligning strategically would ensure that the South-East has a meaningful stake in national governance.