THE TINUBU-SOLUDO PARTNERSHIP: A MODEL OF PROGRESSIVISM AND UNITY IN NIGERIA
By Christian ABURIME
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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, 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 8, 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.
The bond between Tinubu and Soludo transcends mere political convenience, grounded in a friendship that dates back to 2003. As Tinubu noted in his speech, “Charles Soludo has been my friend since 2003, and I can also confirm that we are working together for a better Anambra and Nigeria.” This personal connection is not superficial; it is reinforced by a shared commitment to progressivism and federalism, principles that have defined their respective careers. Governor Soludo, in his welcome address, recalls admiring President Tinubu’s “principled stance on federalism” during their time together in the National Economic Council, where Tinubu, as Lagos Governor, was a vocal advocate for state autonomy. This ideological alignment is the bedrock of their partnership, enabling them to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape with a unified purpose.
Governor Soludo’s leadership of the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which he describes as “the foremost progressive party in Nigeria,” also complements President Tinubu’s leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party with progressive roots. Soludo’s call for “all progressives, federalists, and all parties with social-democratic, centrist, and left-of-centre credentials to unite” under Tinubu’s leadership evinces a vision for a broader coalition. This is not just rhetoric; it reflects a strategic alignment that prioritises Nigeria’s unity and development over partisan divides. Their shared history as reformers, Tinubu taming the Atlantic in Lagos and Soludo consolidating Nigeria’s banks, further consolidates their mutual respect for bold, catalytic leadership.
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 N170 billion in federal roads. This cooperative federalism is a hallmark of their partnership, demonstrating how aligned leadership can amplify development outcomes. Tinubu’s assurance that “we will continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity” signals a commitment to sustaining this collaboration, particularly in addressing critical challenges like gully erosion and the dormant Onitsha River port.
At the national level, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which tackles longstanding economic dysfunctions like subsidies and forex instability, resonates with Soludo’s reformist ethos. Governor Soludo, a former Central Bank Governor, understands the complexities of economic restructuring and praises President Tinubu’s courage in addressing these “monsters.” His urging the president to “stay the course” reflects not only support but also a shared belief in the necessity of difficult reforms for long-term prosperity. Tinubu, in turn, acknowledges Anambra’s implementation of the new minimum wage, a policy aligned with his administration’s efforts to cushion reform impacts, further illustrating their policy congruence.
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 Amb. 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.
Perhaps the most profound aspect of their speeches is the shared call for unity. Soludo’s assertion that “Nigeria must survive and prosper” and his pledge to support Tinubu “in every way possible” reveal a patriotic commitment to national success. Tinubu’s appeal to “all patriots and progressives to rise and continue to work hard” complements this vision, framing their partnership as a broader movement for Nigeria’s greatness. 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.
Interestingly, the warmth of their interaction, exemplified by Tinubu’s humorous request for a retirement plot in Anambra and his acceptance of a chieftaincy title, adds a human dimension to their political accord. These gestures, coupled with Soludo’s invitation for Tinubu to operate from Anambra, definitely reflect a relationship built on trust and camaraderie. They model a leadership style that prioritises collaboration over competition, offering a blueprint for other Nigerian leaders.
In the final analysis, the Tinubu-Soludo partnership goes beyond a political alliance; it is a signifier of hope for a Nigeria yearning for unity, progress, and effective governance. 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 us that when leaders unite around a common vision, the possibilities for Nigeria are indeed endless.