Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has announced that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will not present its own presidential candidate for Nigeria’s 2027 elections, instead aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. The governor, who was inaugurated for a second term, framed the decision as a strategic move to secure greater representation for the South-East region within the federal government.
Speaking to reporters, Soludo stated his personal support for President Tinubu, describing him as a friend who “has done well and deserves a second term.” He emphasized that the party’s stance transcends individual preference, positioning it as a matter of collective interest for his constituents. “Anybody can differ, but beyond personal preferences, the fundamental issue is the interest of my people,” he said.
The governor cited historical precedent, noting that APGA also withheld a presidential candidate in the 2011 cycle, instead endorsing then-President Goodluck Jonathan. He argued that a similar pragmatic approach is now warranted. “In Tinubu’s case, how do you communicate that to the South-East? Our people are smart. Once they understand that it is in their own enlightened self-interest, they will see the reasoning,” Soludo explained.
Central to Soludo’s argument is a call for a return to coalition-based politics reminiscent of Nigeria’s early republics. He referenced Nnamdi Azikiwe’s legacy of building alliances rather than pursuing protest-driven opposition. “We need to get back to the politics of Azikiwe, who taught us to build politics of alliances. It’s not politics of protest; it’s politics that builds bridges,” he stated. While acknowledging that President Tinubu is likely to win re-election regardless, Soludo insisted the South-East must negotiate a tangible stake in the next administration. “President Tinubu will win with or without us, but my people deserve a seat at the table,” he added.
This declaration marks a significant strategic shift for APGA, a party historically rooted in the South-East. By prioritizing regional negotiation over independent candidacy, Soludo is betting that collaborative engagement will yield more immediate developmental and political dividends for the zone than a symbolic solo run. The move also strengthens President Tinubu’s cross-regional coalition ahead of the 2027 polls, potentially softening the South-East’s perceived opposition to his administration.
The decision sets the stage for detailed talks between APGA leadership and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding cabinet positions, policy concessions, and infrastructure projects. Observers note that this approach reflects a growing trend toward realpolitik in Nigerian federal politics, where regional parties increasingly weigh alliance benefits against the high costs of solo presidential bids. The success of this strategy will depend on the tangible outcomes secured for the South-East and whether the
governor’s persuasion resonates with the broader electorate in the region.
