The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has raised strong objections over its exclusion from the official arrangements for the visit of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to the state on Thursday, accusing the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of misleading President Bola Tinubu and undermining national unity. The APC leadership expressed disappointment that neither the party’s state leadership nor its women’s wing was formally invited or consulted ahead of the high-profile event, despite being a major political stakeholder in the state. The protest was issued in a statement signed by APC State Secretary Sir Obi Okpala and released to reporters in Awka on Monday.
The APC welcomed the First Lady to Anambra and commended her ongoing efforts to empower Nigerian women, especially through her initiatives across the Southeast region. However, the party emphasized that the exclusion from planning and coordination for the visit contradicts the public narrative of “Progressives Are Working Together,” which it claims is being used merely for political propaganda. According to the statement, APGA is not genuinely promoting President Tinubu’s achievements in the state but instead using the slogan to mislead the public and gain electoral advantage during upcoming National and State Assembly elections.
The APC noted that it only learned about the visit through an announcement made by the Office of the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, indicating a lack of direct communication or collaboration with the party’s structures. As the leading national party and a key political force in Anambra, the APC argued that such a significant visit by the First Lady should involve broad participation, especially when centered on women’s empowerment. The party stressed that its objection is not aimed at politicizing the First Lady’s humanitarian work, but rather at demanding inclusive engagement and recognition of all stakeholders.
The statement further accused APGA of deliberately demarketing President Tinubu and the APC through their media communications, while simultaneously exploiting the “Progressives Are Working Together” rhetoric to confuse voters. The APC maintained that this narrative is unsustainable and politically deceptive, particularly given APGA’s inability to deliver on the 25 percent representation promise often cited in political discourse. The party reiterated its commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s agenda in Anambra and called for genuine cooperation that reflects national unity and shared purpose.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex political dynamics, the APC’s protest underscores growing tensions between political parties in the Southeast, especially as elections loom. The incident highlights the importance of inclusive governance and transparent coordination in national events, even those with non-partisan themes like women’s empowerment. Moving forward, how these parties manage their relationships will likely influence voter perceptions and electoral outcomes in Anambra State.
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