PDP, LP Shun Event as APC, APGA Jostle to Host President Tinubu Amid Ban on Party Colours

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Anambra State has led to political competition between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as both parties made efforts to take credit for hosting the President.

The visit, which is part of a one-day working tour, is focused on commissioning key infrastructure projects and meeting selected stakeholders. However, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) stayed away from the event.

In a statement ahead of the visit, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Political Affairs, Alex Obiogbolu, announced a ban on the wearing of party uniforms and support group attire. He directed APGA members and over 130 Soludo Support Groups not to wear clothes that show political identity.

Obiogbolu said the visit “is not a political event” but an official state function, and called for full cooperation from all groups.

Reacting to the development, APC Chairman in Anambra State, Basil Ejidike, said his party welcomed the President but refused to comment on the uniform ban.
“As a party that produced the President, we wish him a successful and hitch-free visit to Anambra,” he said.

So far, no groups have been seen wearing political party regalia. Only the official green-and-white clothing, usually worn for presidential ceremonies, was used during preparations.

The PDP, meanwhile, made it clear that it would not take part in the event. PDP State Chairman, Chidi Chidebe, said the party respects the President’s right to visit any part of the country, but added that his party is focused on delivering real change to citizens.

At the Labour Party secretariat in Awka, no officials were available to speak. But a member of the party, who asked not to be named, said,
“How do you expect us to welcome a man whose victory in the last general election remains disputed? Doing so would mean legitimizing what we believe is illegitimate. Our party has no interest in that.”

This is President Tinubu’s second visit to the South East in 2025, following his earlier trip to Enugu State.