Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has called on the Igbo people to take a strategic approach to national politics, urging them to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.

 

Speaking recently, Soludo emphasized that beyond personal or party preferences, the priority should be ensuring the Southeast has a meaningful stake in Nigeria’s political landscape. He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances, stating that the president would likely win re-election regardless of regional backing.

 

“At a personal level… I believe he’s done well and deserves a second term. No apologies about it,” Soludo said, while noting that differing opinions are welcome.

 

However, he stressed that his position goes beyond personal views. “It is about my people. They have to have a stake… He would win with or without us,” he added, underscoring the importance of political inclusion for the Southeast.

 

Reflecting on history, Soludo referenced the role of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2011 when the party adopted then-president Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate, highlighting a precedent for strategic alliances.

 

He acknowledged that persuading the Southeast to support Tinubu may require careful engagement, especially among those with reservations. Nonetheless, he advocated for what he described as “enlightened self-interest.”

 

Drawing inspiration from Nnamdi Azikiwe, Soludo urged a return to coalition-building politics. “It’s not politics of protest; it’s politics that builds bridges,” he said, referencing alliance-driven strategies from Nigeria’s First and Second Republics.

 

Soludo’s remarks reinforce his broader message: that the Southeast must act pragmatically, forging alliances to ensure relevance and influence in the outcome of the 2027 elections.