The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has strongly rejected allegations that its support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027 is a deception, insisting the alliance is rooted in shared progressive ideology.
APGA Publicity Secretary Responds to Critics
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Wednesday, May 13, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, APGA's National Publicity Secretary, stated that the party and its national leader, Governor Charles Soludo, remain steadfast in backing Tinubu. Opara spoke during a one-day retreat organized by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) aimed at enhancing institutional capacity in planning and regulatory compliance.
The endorsement has sparked political debate, with critics including the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Senator Emma Anosike, state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning Tinubu to be wary of Soludo's promises. They argue that Soludo is using the endorsement to secure federal favors without strengthening the APC in Anambra.
However, Soludo has openly endorsed Tinubu, urging the South-East to avoid wasted votes and align with the federal government. He cited a 22-year friendship and shared progressive ideology as the basis for his support. Senator Anosike countered that Soludo's stance is driven by political survival and a possible 2031 vice-presidential ambition, urging him to join the APC if truly supportive.
APGA Fires Back: Anosike Should Join APGA
In a sharp response, Opara said, "I'm sorry for Senator Anosike. As a matter of fact, he is the person that should join APGA." He questioned Anosike's efforts to deepen the APC in Anambra, noting that even his own family members are die-hard APGA supporters.
Opara emphasized that APGA's relationship with the APC is ideological, stating, "The two parties, to a very large extent, believe in the same thing. They profess the principle of progressivism, and we in APGA believe in what the President is doing. That is why we made that strong declaration that progressives are working together."
Retreat Focuses on Urban Development and Communication
During the retreat, Opara, a Public Relations expert, delivered a presentation on "Effective Public Engagement and Media Management," stressing the need for transparent communication and strategic stakeholder engagement. He advised ACTDA to effectively use media platforms to tell its own stories, warning, "If you don’t tell your story, others will tell it for you — often negatively."
Keynote speaker Olutoyin Ayinde, President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, spoke on sustainable urban planning, emphasizing adherence to regulations, human-centered planning, and environmental sustainability. He expressed confidence that Awka could join the league of fastest-growing capital territories globally.
Peter Nwokoye, CEO of Petros Global Enterprises Ltd, commended ongoing infrastructural developments in Awka, particularly road projects. He cited Singapore's transformation since 1965 as a model, noting that strong leadership and disciplined governance can turn any society into an economic powerhouse. He urged ACTDA to follow Singapore's developmental format.
Urban expert Kabiu Mohammad revealed that Awka has been selected for the African Development Bank’s African Cities Programme, positioning it for major infrastructural transformation. A technical committee has been set up to handle city profiling and data collection.
ACTDA CEO Dr. Ossy Onuko said the retreat marks a new phase in the agency’s operations, aimed at improving professionalism and regulatory efficiency.
Soludo Partners Flutterwave on Digital Economy
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the Anambra state government has partnered with fintech company Flutterwave to strengthen digital payments and e-commerce infrastructure. Governor Soludo said the initiative aims to empower small businesses and connect traders in hubs like Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka to wider markets.
