By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Ahead of the presidential election in Nigeria, a political pressure group known as Anambra Patriots, loyal to the Governor of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has urged people of Igbo extraction to wait for about 12 years for the presidency position.

The group, while stating this during its general assembly meeting in Awka yesterday, Monday, March 9, 2026, endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the National Convener of APS, Architect Okechukwu Ezeobi, said that members would mobilise support to ensure Tinubu wins the 2027 presidential election in Anambra State.

According to him, the group would begin consultations with political stakeholders across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to create a pathway for the emergence of a president from the South-East after the tenure of Tinubu and a successor from the North.

He said: "Our position is based on political calculations, not emotions.

"It would be the turn of the North to produce the next president after Tinubu’s second tenure. Supporting the current political arrangement could strengthen the chances of an Igbo candidate emerging later.

“We are in support of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) government led by Professor Chukwuma Soludo. From the time of Mr Peter Obi as governor, APGA has always supported the government at the centre, and we will continue with that tradition.

“But we want to chart a new path that will make the South-East more inclusive in Nigeria’s politics. We will mobilise across the South-East and Nigeria at large to support the eventual emergence of an Igbo president.

"While the Igbo possess significant economic influence in Nigeria, the region has yet to translate that strength into political power.

“We, the Igbo, have economic power but lack political power. We are working to change that."

Earlier in his speech, the National Chairman of APS, Ozo Ejiamatu Enekwechi, said the assembly was convened to appreciate members for their support for Soludo during the 2025 governorship election.

He said the group would continue to support good governance and accountability while working to reposition Nigeria politically.

The group used the occasion to unveil its office in Awka, noting that it would collaborate with individuals committed to impactful leadership and accountability.