Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, says his backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections is grounded in a 22-year friendship and the President’s bold economic reforms.

Speaking with journalists after meeting Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, Soludo said his support remained firm despite not being a member of the All Progressives Congress.

“President Tinubu is my friend; he has been my friend for 22 years now and counting, so you don’t deny your friend,” he said. “I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the areas of the economy and structural reforms. We’re taking the right steps and we need to stay the course.”

The governor described Tinubu as “in high spirits, hale and hearty” and urged political parties that identify as progressive to form a broad coalition to strengthen democracy and drive economic and social development.

On security in Anambra, Soludo said his administration had adopted a holistic strategy combining “kinetic and non-kinetic” approaches.

He noted that the state’s Homeland Security Law, passed in January, had driven out “deadly native doctors” who lured youths into crime.

“We’re dealing with insecurity from the foundations,” he said. “We have a one-year skills and empowerment programme where we’ve trained about 5,000 youths, and another 8,700 will receive funding this month or next. We’re creating several thousands of youth millionaires within our first three years.”

Soludo added that the government’s focus on youth empowerment, intelligence gathering, infrastructure, and social investment was aimed at tackling hardship and securing lasting peace in the state.