A former lawmaker and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholder in Abia State, Senator Chris Adighije, on Tuesday declared that Nigeria would be better off if President Bola Tinubu continues in office for another four years.
Adighije, who represented Abia Central Senatorial District, also urged residents of Ikwuano and Umuahia South local government areas to align with the APC as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Umuahia during a ceremony in his community, Adighije expressed confidence in the president’s leadership.
“The President, Bola Tinubu, seems to know Nigeria better than all of us. And he is going in the right direction,” he said.
Adighije pointed to recent declines in the cost of living as evidence of progress.
He further stated, “Now, I understand food prices are beginning to go down. Fuel prices are going down. I think if he continues in that direction for another four years, Nigeria will get better than this.”
He stressed that the people of Ikwuano and Umuahia must support the APC to secure Tinubu’s re‑election.
“Therefore, Ikwuano/Umuahia will have to align with APC to ensure that Tinubu wins the election for us,” Adighije added.
Addressing concerns that Nigeria might slide into a one‑party state, Adighije distanced the ruling party from such a notion.
He said, “What I am saying is that our party, the ruling party in Nigeria, is not for a one‑party system. We are a democratic political party. We always believe in giving an opportunity to the opposition.
“There is no way Nigeria will be a one‑party country. But if all the people decide to be one party, who are we?”
Quoting President Tinubu, he explained the party’s stance, saying, “In the words of President Bola Tinubu, you cannot ask a man who is seeing the ship sinking not to jump out. We believe in democracy, and we are not in any way encouraging a one‑party system.
“But if all the other politicians decide to come and join us, the merrier for us. That is our position. We are opposed to that. One‑party system? No, we are opposed to that because we are all democrats.”
On the likelihood of other South‑East states, such as Abia and Anambra, joining the APC, Adighije said the party remains open.
“Remember that Abia State and Anambra have not moved to APC. You don’t know what will happen tomorrow. We are democratic. If they want to join the party, then they join,” he said.
Upon accepting the patronage of the Ikwuano/Umuahia Initiative, Adighije expressed humility and commitment.
He said, “I never dreamt that this day would come. When eminent Igbo people gather in a place, whatever we decide, that is what we will do.
“Ikwuano/Umuahia needs this type of structure and holds the balance of power in Abia State. And here I am, eminent Igbo. I believe in grassroots. So they make a decision, and I advise leadership. I am ready to serve.”