… Arewa community in Delta endorses Tinubu, Oborevwori ahead of 2027 elections

BY AJUWA VICTOR with agency report 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, elder statesman Emeka Anyaoku, and traditional rulers from across the state on Thursday openly endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, pledging their support 

The show of solidarity came during the President’s official visit to the state, which also featured the inauguration of landmark infrastructure projects and the conferment of a prestigious traditional title.

Speaking at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Governor Soludo reaffirmed the longstanding policy of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to support the federal government and declared that this position remains unchanged under his leadership. 

Soludo traced the origins of the party’s policy back to 2011, before his own entry into APGA in 2013, when the party officially backed the then-incumbent president.

“In 2011, before I joined APGA in 2013, the party took an official position to support and work with the political party and government at the centre,” Soludo said. 

“Indeed, APGA adopted the sitting president then as its presidential candidate, and I want to report that the policy has not changed.”

He further emphasised that both APGA and Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) are united by a shared ideology of progressivism, making their alliance both natural and strategic.

“Coincidentally, Mr President, at this moment in history, the government at the centre is the one that also professes progressivism. 

“As the foremost progressive party in Nigeria, APGA is strategically and ideologically aligned with the centre. And so far, Mr President, the progressives are working well together,” he said.

The President arrived at the Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri at about 12:15 p.m., where he was welcomed by Governor Soludo, Deputy Governor Onyeka Ibezim, and other top government functionaries. 

Tinubu was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, and governors from Enugu, Abia, Ogun, Imo, Borno, Gombe, and Delta States.

Highlight of the visit was the historic commissioning of Anambra’s first-ever Government House, more than three decades after the creation of the state. 

President Tinubu also inaugurated several other projects completed by the Soludo administration, underscoring federal recognition of the state’s developmental strides.

Elder statesman, Emeka Anyaoku, in his remarks at the ceremony, voiced strong confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to navigate Nigeria through its current socio-economic and security challenges. 

He lauded Tinubu’s pro-democracy record as a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and expressed hope that the President would restore economic stability and national security.

“Your Excellency’s personal records as a NADECO champion of the return of democracy to our country in 1999 inspire my confidence that you will successfully steer the ship of our country through its present serious challenges, including the underperforming economy, which breeds massive poverty and widespread insecurity, to the destination that we all desire,” Anyaoku said.

Describing Nigeria’s diversity as both a challenge and an opportunity, Anyaoku offered prayers for divine wisdom and courage for Tinubu, whom he said has a historic responsibility. 

“Every discerning observer knows governing our pluralistic country is a very complex task. I am sure many others, like me, will continue to pray that God will give you the wisdom and the courage to face and address the pluralism of our country,” he added.

The high point of the day came when traditional rulers from all parts of Anambra, led by the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi, conferred the title of “Dike Si Mba” on President Tinubu. 

The title, which translates to “Hero from Another Land,” symbolised the acceptance and recognition of the President by the custodians of Igbo tradition.

Thursday’s visit marked President Tinubu’s second to the South-East this year, following a similar visit to Enugu State in January.

Meanwhile, the Arewa community in Delta State has pledged its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, endorsing both leaders for re-election in 2027. 

In a public declaration at a rally held in Asaba on Thursday, the group also formally announced their integration into the All Progressives Congress (APC) and appealed to northerners nationwide to stand with the current administration through to the conclusion of a second term in 2031.

Addressing the gathering, Alhaji Auwalu Tukur, who serves as both the community leader and Chairman of the Delta State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, lauded President Tinubu for his stabilising impact on the nation’s economy and for fostering national unity. 

He asserted that the president’s administration has made notable progress and deserves a second term to consolidate its achievements.

“We want to pledge our absolute support and loyalty to the government of His Excellency Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.

At the state level, the Arewa community voiced strong support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, describing his administration as inclusive, development-oriented, and transformational. 

The group credited the governor with turning Delta into what they referred to as a “construction site,” emphasising the scale of infrastructure projects and the integration of Arewa members into his government, including appointments as Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, and Board Chairmen.

Expressing gratitude, the community noted that such levels of inclusion were unprecedented. 

“Many of our members have been appointed to various offices … we truly appreciate you because we have never had it this good,” the group statement read. 

It also affirmed members unwavering loyalty, saying, “Where Sheriff goes, we go. We stand with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.”

In a broader political message, the Arewa group called on northern Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu until 2031, arguing that sustained support would foster equity, national cohesion, and political stability