AWKA/Nigeria: Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has urged the South-East to strategically align with Nigeria’s prevailing political power-sharing arrangement by supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, warning that Ndigbo risk political marginalisation if they fail to participate effectively in the nation’s power equation.
Speaking on Monday in Awka while addressing members of the Women Wing of the City Boy Movement, Anambra Chapter, Soludo said the region must avoid what he described as the mistake of “wasting votes” and instead position itself within the political coalition that could secure Tinubu’s second term.
The governor argued that Nigeria’s presidential politics has, over the years, been shaped by an unwritten zoning principle between the North and the South, making it politically unrealistic to expect the North to support another southern presidential candidate after Tinubu’s tenure.
“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,” Soludo said.
The governor noted that despite receiving relatively few votes from Anambra State during the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu emerged victorious, stressing that the South-East should take advantage of the opportunity to build stronger political relevance through strategic engagement.
According to him, meaningful political influence is attained through active participation and the ability to negotiate from a position of electoral strength.
“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 called on members of the movement to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need to educate voters on the strategic importance of political participation.
He assured the group of his support when campaign activities commence, describing women and youths as indispensable stakeholders in the democratic process and key drivers of electoral success.
The governor also commended the women wing of the City Boy Movement for its grassroots outreach and mobilisation efforts across communities in Anambra State, reiterating his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women and young people in governance.
Earlier, Mrs. Ifeatu Soludo, Anambra State Woman Leader of the City Boy Movement, said the group had sustained engagement with communities across the state to deepen voter education and political awareness.
She explained that the movement was focused on strengthening grassroots participation in the electoral process, particularly among women and youths, while encouraging citizens to take an active role in shaping the state’s political future.
