Gov Soludo urges Igbo to ‘back Tinubu’, says votes should not be “wasted” in 2027

The governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has called on people in the south-east to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Soludo made the appeal on Tuesday during his second-term inauguration held at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state capital.

Onochie Anyachebelu, chief judge of Anambra State, administered the oath of office and allegiance to Soludo at 11:47am, and later to his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, at 11:52am.

The ceremony was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking at the event, Soludo said the south-east should not “waste” its votes on other candidates in the next presidential election, urging the region to instead back Tinubu.

He acknowledged the importance of the political future of the Igbo but suggested that the time for producing a president from the south-east is not immediate.

The governor expressed confidence in Tinubu’s administration, pointing to what he described as positive developments affecting the region.

“President Tinubu is a cerebral, courageous and patriotic Nigerian. We trust him to make a major difference for Nigeria and the south-east,” he said.

Soludo also called on political opponents in Anambra to put aside their differences and collaborate for the development of the state.

He noted that political contests in the state have concluded and urged a shift in focus towards governance.

In his remarks, Shettima commended Soludo’s leadership, describing him as a public servant driven by ideas and integrity.

The vice-president reaffirmed the federal government’s willingness to work with the Anambra State government, stressing that governance should prioritise citizens’ welfare above partisan interests.

Shettima also encouraged residents to support efforts to position Anambra as a major economic and investment hub in Nigeria.