President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Anambra State, scheduled for Thursday, has prompted a directive barring political party members and supporters from wearing party uniforms. This measure, announced by Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, aims to mitigate potential political rivalries and maintain a non-partisan atmosphere during the President’s engagements. The directive specifically targets members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and other support groups, urging them to refrain from displaying party affiliations through attire at the planned town hall meeting at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka.
The decision to enforce a dress code stemmed from reports of both APC and APGA support groups mobilizing members to attend the event in uniform, potentially creating a politically charged environment. The Anambra State government, seeking to project a unified reception for the President, opted to preempt any such displays. This move is intended to ensure that the focus remains on the President’s visit and the commissioning of various projects, rather than devolving into partisan demonstrations.
The timing of the visit, occurring during an electioneering period, further underscores the sensitivity surrounding political displays. Concerns were raised, particularly within the APC, that the President’s presence amidst overt party demonstrations could be misinterpreted as a lack of confidence in their gubernatorial candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu. To address these concerns and secure the President’s attendance, the ban on political uniforms was implemented as a key condition.
The President’s itinerary includes the commissioning of several significant projects, including the new state government house and the Solution Fun City. These projects, deemed “legacy” initiatives, highlight the developmental focus of the visit. The official announcement of the President’s visit was made six days prior, allowing for necessary preparations and security arrangements.
In anticipation of the President’s visit, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State has deployed a substantial security detail comprising 1,531 officers. This deployment underscores the importance placed on ensuring the safety and security of the President and the smooth execution of the planned events. The comprehensive security measures reflect the state’s commitment to maintaining order and decorum throughout the high-profile visit.
The ban on political uniforms serves as a proactive measure to manage the optics and potential disruptions associated with partisan displays during a presidential visit. By encouraging a neutral atmosphere, the Anambra State government aims to foster a sense of unity and focus attention on the substantive aspects of the President’s visit – the commissioning of key projects and engagement with stakeholders. This approach prioritizes the broader interests of the state and ensures a respectful and productive environment for the visiting President.
