Tinubu and Soludo Forge Strategic Alliance Ahead of 2027 Election: A Political Gambit in Anambra

 

The political landscape in Nigeria is shifting as President Bola Tinubu has formally solidified an unexpected partnership with Charles Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, a move designed to strengthen his political foothold in the South East ahead of the 2027 elections. What began as mere speculation has now taken shape with the president's visit to Anambra, marking the inauguration of several state projects and signifying a deeper alliance between the two leaders.

This partnership, built on mutual support, has clear political motives. Tinubu, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is hoping for a strong ally in Soludo, who leads the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The agreement is simple but significant: Soludo will endorse Tinubu as the APC’s candidate in the 2027 presidential race in exchange for the president's tacit support during Soludo's re-election bid in November.

Governor Soludo, during the inauguration ceremony, made it clear that APGA would align itself with the APC, emphasizing that the party has a history of supporting the ruling party in power at the federal level. In a speech lauding Tinubu’s achievements, Soludo stated that APGA’s decision to back the president was rooted in a shared ideological alignment. This announcement came with a sharp remark about former Anambra governor Peter Obi, whose political influence in the state remains a significant challenge for Tinubu and his allies.

Soludo's efforts to sway the political tide in Tinubu's favor are not limited to just a few statements. The governor has gone further by highlighting the developmental strides made during his tenure, including over 500 kilometers of roads, numerous flyovers, and new hospitals. He also emphasized the ongoing infrastructure projects in the state, including a proposed railway system, which is expected to bring further federal attention to Anambra under Tinubu's leadership.

The visit itself, which was laden with political symbolism, included a lighter moment when Tinubu and Soludo engaged in a friendly dancing competition, followed by a ceremonial conferment of the highest traditional title in Anambra on the president. Soludo's efforts to make Tinubu feel “at home” in Anambra were not lost on observers, marking a clear shift in the state's political dynamics.

However, the real weight of this alliance lies in its potential to alter the electoral landscape in the South East. Historically, the APC has struggled to make significant inroads in the region. In the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate and former Anambra governor, won a staggering 95.24% of the votes in his home state, while Tinubu managed a meager 0.86%. This partnership between Tinubu and Soludo could change the narrative, ensuring that Tinubu secures at least 25% of the vote in Anambra, a crucial threshold for any presidential candidate to remain competitive in the national race.

Despite Obi's overwhelming popularity in the region, Tinubu is slowly gaining traction. Political analysts point to the shifting allegiances of various opposition governors, some of whom have either defected to the APC or are quietly supporting the president. In Delta, the entire state government has switched allegiance to the APC, while in Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno has publicly expressed support for Tinubu, despite remaining in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Even in Abia, where the Labour Party governs, Governor Alex Otti has aligned himself with the APC, further signaling Tinubu’s growing influence.

Observers believe that Soludo’s endorsement will not necessarily guarantee a decisive victory for Tinubu in 2027 if Obi runs again. However, it could play a crucial role in ensuring that Tinubu secures enough votes in Anambra to remain competitive in the national race. It is also seen as a sign of a broader strategy by Tinubu to solidify his position in the South, especially given the APC’s previous poor showing in the South East and South South regions.

This alliance, however, raises concerns among critics about the potential emergence of a de facto one-party state. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and opposition leader Atiku Abubakar have both expressed concerns about the growing dominance of the APC, with accusations that the ruling party is using coercive tactics to win over governors and political leaders from opposing parties. The political consolidation, they argue, risks undermining the democratic process and reducing the diversity of political voices in the country.

Political analysts like Deji Adeyanju suggest that Soludo’s alliance with Tinubu is part of a wider trend, with more political figures expected to gravitate towards the APC as the 2027 elections approach. Many governors, particularly those up for re-election, are likely to support Tinubu to secure their political futures. For the APC, it is all about numbers. If Tinubu can secure a strong showing in the South East and other traditionally opposition-dominated regions, it could tilt the balance of power in his favor for the upcoming election cycle.

As Nigeria heads into the next general elections, the strategic alliance between Tinubu and Soludo will undoubtedly reshape the political dynamics in the South East, creating a new battleground for the 2027 presidential race. While Obi's influence in Anambra remains formidable, the alliance between Tinubu and Soludo suggests that the APC is playing the long game, positioning itself for a more significant role in the region’s political future.