Soludo Urges Igbos to Back Tinubu’s Re-election Bid in 2027, Says Votes Must Be Used Strategically

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has called on Ndi Igbo to strategically deploy their votes in the 2027 general elections by supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that such a move would better serve the interests of the South-East region.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Women’s Wing of the City Boy Movement at the Anambra State Light House Auditorium in Awka on June 1, 2026, Soludo urged the Igbo electorate not to waste their votes in the upcoming presidential, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections.

The governor’s remarks come amid preparations for the 2027 elections, with former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi having emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), setting the stage for a major political contest.

Despite Obi’s candidacy, Soludo maintained that supporting President Tinubu for a second term should be the priority for the South-East.

According to him, the region did not significantly contribute to Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 election, yet the president secured office without substantial support from the South-East.

“Because our votes didn’t count in the first term; we only had five thousand votes, and he won without our support. However, he can also win a second term, but this time, we will contribute to it,” Soludo stated.

The governor emphasized the need for political pragmatism over emotional considerations, stressing that votes should be used as a bargaining tool to secure greater inclusion and benefits for the region.

“We must approach politics rationally, not emotionally. It’s important to engage strategically by bargaining with our votes to avoid marginalization because, in democracy, your vote is your bargaining power,” he said.

Soludo also encouraged political mobilization across wards and local government areas in Anambra State to register and galvanize voters in support of the current administration’s second-term ambition.

While acknowledging that Anambra remains a stronghold of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the governor noted that progressive-minded groups were working together in pursuit of the collective interests of the Igbo people.

Earlier, the State Convener of the Anambra Chapter of the City Boy Movement, Adaora Ifeatu Soludo, expressed appreciation to the governor for receiving the group and outlined its objectives.

She commended the administration’s developmental initiatives, particularly the “1 Youth, 2 Skills” empowerment programme, which she said has positively impacted young people across the state.

Adaora explained that the City Boy Movement is committed to advancing President Tinubu’s agenda through grassroots mobilization and community engagement.

“Our movement aims to mobilise, empower, and involve women in community participation and development. We’ve established grassroots structures, inaugurated women promoters in all 21 local government areas, and are expanding to the wards across the state,” she said.

She added that the group actively engages market women, traders, religious organisations, students, and community-based women groups to promote civic participation, development initiatives, and public awareness.

Adaora also appealed to Governor Soludo to support the movement’s activities to strengthen its outreach and developmental programmes.

Among dignitaries present at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake; the Deputy State Manager and Mayor of Idemili South Local Government Area, Mrs. Amaka Obi; and other members of the Women’s Wing of the City Boy Movement.