Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has urged Ndigbo to align with Nigeria’s prevailing power-sharing arrangement and support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 to ensure the region’s votes count in national politics.
Soludo made the call on Monday in Awka while addressing members of the Women Wing of the City Boy Movement, Anambra Chapter.
He said that Nigeria’s presidential politics is largely influenced by an unwritten zoning arrangement between the orth and the south.
According to him, this reality makes it unrealistic to expect northern support for another southern candidate after the tenure of President Bola Tinubu.
“I pray that the Igbos will not waste their votes again in 2027. After the eight years of former President Muhammadu Buhari, power shifted to the south and President Tinubu is taking the turn of the south.
“President Tinubu has four more years to go and after his eight years, power will move back to the North. This is the reality of our politics and not an emotional matter,” he said.
The governor noted that Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election despite receiving relatively few votes from Anambra.
He said that the South-East should position itself to be part of the coalition that would secure his second term.
He said political relevance was achieved through strategic participation and bargaining with votes, urging members of the movement to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We must play politics with our heads. In politics, you bargain with your votes. You do not get what you deserve but what you bargain for, and you do that with your votes.
“Make people understand why their votes should count this time around. Though we are in the All Progressives Grand Alliance, we understand that progressives are working together for the betterment of Ndigbo,” he said.
Soludo assured the group of support when campaigns commence, stressing that women and youths remained critical stakeholders in the electoral process.
He commended the women wing of the movement for its mobilisation efforts and reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting the participation of women and youths in governance.
Earlier, Mrs Ifeatu Soludo, Anambra State Woman Leader of the City Boy Movement, said the group had been engaging communities and mobilising support at the grassroots level across the state.
She said the movement was focused on improving voter awareness and strengthening the participation of women and youths in electoral processes.
