Anambra governor says Igbo votes must be used as “bargaining power” to secure relevance, backs Tinubu’s re-election as City Boy Movement mobilises women statewide.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has called on Ndi Igbo to throw their weight behind President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, warning that supporting Labour Party figure Peter Obi would amount to “wasting” their votes.

Speaking ahead of the polls, Soludo stressed that the South-East must adopt a more strategic approach to national politics by aligning with power to protect its interests. He argued that despite limited electoral support from the region in 2023, Tinubu still secured victory—suggesting he could do so again—but noted that this time, Igbo participation should count.

“Our votes didn’t count in the first term; we contributed very little, yet he won,” Soludo said. “He can win again, but this time, we should be part of that victory.”

The governor made the remarks on June 1, 2026, at the Anambra State Light House in Awka while receiving the Women’s Wing of the City Boy Movement, led by his daughter, Adaora Ifeatu Soludo.

He urged voters across wards and local government areas to register and mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, insisting that political decisions must be driven by strategy rather than sentiment. According to him, leveraging electoral strength is key to avoiding marginalisation in a democratic system.

“Politics should be approached rationally, not emotionally. Your vote is your bargaining power,” he added.

While acknowledging Anambra’s traditional alignment with APGA, Soludo noted that “progressives” are increasingly collaborating across party lines in what he described as a broader effort to advance Igbo interests.

Earlier, Adaora Soludo said the City Boy Movement is intensifying grassroots mobilisation, particularly among women, to support the president’s re-election. She highlighted the group’s expansion across all 21 local government areas in the state, with structures now being extended to the ward level.

She said the initiative engages market women, students, traders, religious groups, and community organisations to boost participation and development awareness, while also commending the state government’s youth-focused programmes such as the “1 Youth, 2 Skills” initiative.

Adaora appealed for continued government support to strengthen the movement’s outreach and impact.

Top government officials, including Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake and Idemili South Deputy Mayor Mrs. Amaka Obi, were among those present at the event.