Politics can be progressive when political leaders choose to work together for a greater cause, despite different party affiliations. That is why in a polity such as Nigeria that is often marked by political discord, the partnership between President Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Chukwuma Soludo, serves as an instructive pointer to the power of shared vision, ideological alignment and mutual respect. Notably, their speeches during President Tinubu’s state visit to Anambra on May eight, 2025, reveal a deep, positive, and collaborative relationship rooted in progressivism, federalism, and a commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity. Indeed, the profound rapport between these two leaders, reflected in their words and actions, highlight a model of political synergy that could shape Nigeria’s future.
Today, the tangible outcomes of their collaboration are evident in Anambra’s transformation under Soludo’s governance, which Tinubu praised during his visit. The commissioning of landmark projects like Solution Fun City and the Government House mini-city symbolises their joint commitment to Soludo’s audacious vision of Anambra as an “African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley.” Tinubu’s recognition of these projects as “bold statements of vision and what leadership can achieve” reflects his appreciation for Soludo’s strategic approach, which mirrors his own legacy of transformative infrastructure in Lagos
Governor Soludo’s speech goes further to highlight the synergy between state and federal efforts, with Anambra benefiting from federal programmes in education, health, ICT, agriculture, and infrastructure. He acknowledges federal road projects worth “hundreds of billions of Naira,” such as the Enugu-Onitsha Road and the Second Niger Bridge access road, which complement Anambra’s own investments of over one hundred and seventy billion naira in federal roads. This cooperative federalism is a hallmark of their partnership, demonstrating how aligned leadership can amplify development outcomes.
This mutual support extends to human capital development. Soludo’s initiatives, free education, free antenatal services, and youth empowerment programmes, echo Tinubu’s emphasis on targeted support for small businesses and agriculture. Both leaders recognise that sustainable prosperity requires investing in people, a principle that underpins their progressive ideologies. Tinubu’s appointment of Anambra natives like Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Mr. Mark Okoye to key positions, and Soludo’s inclusive appointment of an Osun native as a Permanent Secretary, reflect a pan-Nigerian ethos that strengthens their partnership.
Their emphasis on progressivism as a unifying force offers a counter narrative to Nigeria’s often fractious politics, suggesting that ideological alignment can bridge regional and partisan divides.
They model a leadership style that prioritises collaboration over competition, offering a blueprint for other Nigerian leaders.
Their shared commitment to progressivism, federalism, and transformative development, as articulated in their speeches, demonstrates the potential of aligned leadership to drive meaningful change. By working together to address Anambra’s challenges, advance national reforms, and champion a united Nigeria, President Tinubu and Governor Soludo are laying the foundation for a prosperous future. Their partnership reminds Nigerians that when leaders unite around a common vision, the possibilities for Nigeria are indeed endless.
