Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 could pave the way for an Igbo president in the future.
Soludo made the statement while explaining why the South-East should support Tinubu, who is seeking a second term in office. According to the governor, political negotiations and cooperation between Nigeria’s regions could help the South-East achieve its presidential ambition.
In a video that circulated on social media on Friday, Soludo spoke in Igbo about the need for political discussions and agreements. He argued that supporting a southern president now could encourage other regions to support an Igbo candidate when presidential power returns to the South.
“Presidency is about discussion and agreement,” Soludo said, according to reports of his remarks.
He explained that the South-East should support Tinubu, who comes from the South-West, as part of a long-term political strategy. He said power could move to the North after Tinubu’s tenure before returning to the South.
Soludo expressed hope that the South-West would support an Igbo presidential candidate when that opportunity arises. However, such support would depend on future political negotiations and agreements between the regions.
The governor also spoke about his political ambitions. He said he had no intention of seeking a third term as Anambra governor and stressed the need to give others opportunities to lead.
“What am I vying for? I’ve gotten a governorship position; will I go for a third term? Everyone must be given the opportunity to be able to rise,” he said
Soludo further stated that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the party under which he won the Anambra governorship election, would support the prevailing political direction in the interest of the South-East.
“As for APGA, we will support the moving train. Because that is where we can get our share that we would bring home in our own interest,” he said.
His comments followed his appointment to the revised All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council. The council was unveiled ahead of the 2027 general election.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike were also appointed to the council.
Soludo’s remarks have added to the debate over regional political alliances, power rotation and the South-East’s long-standing aspiration to produce Nigeria’s president.
However, supporting Tinubu does not guarantee future backing for an Igbo presidential candidate. Any such arrangement would depend on negotiations among political parties, regional leaders and other stakeholders.
