Chief Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, has dismissed rumours suggesting that the governor is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued in Awka on Tuesday, Ezeajughi described the speculation as unfounded and a deliberate attempt to stir political tension ahead of the state’s November 8 gubernatorial election.
“Governor Soludo is firmly in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA),” Ezeajughi stated. “Suggestions that President Tinubu’s recent visit was part of a secret defection plan are baseless.”
He noted that while APGA and APC both identify as progressive parties, ideological similarities do not imply political realignment.
“People are trying to overheat the polity by spreading false narratives,” he added. “The APC already has a gubernatorial candidate and a running mate for the upcoming election—how then does the defection claim make sense?”
Ezeajughi further explained that APGA has historically maintained a supportive relationship with sitting presidents without its governors defecting to the ruling party at the centre.
“This was the case under former Governors Peter Obi and Willie Obiano, who worked with Presidents Jonathan and Buhari, respectively. Governor Soludo is following the same tradition of cooperation for the development of Anambra.”
He also emphasized that President Tinubu’s visit should be seen as a recognition of Soludo’s developmental strides, not a political alignment.
“The President’s visit to Anambra is a testament to Governor Soludo’s performance in infrastructure, socioeconomic reforms, and innovation. It shows a working partnership between progressive-minded leaders, not a partisan realignment.”
On the forthcoming election, Ezeajughi expressed confidence that Soludo would be re-elected but said the APGA campaign team would not be complacent.
“We will visit every community, every ward—326 in total—to ensure that the people hear directly from us. The support we have is strong, but we are not taking anything for granted,” he concluded.
