Former governors from Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, citing his administration’s infrastructure development efforts in the region as a key factor in their decision.
The endorsement came during the inaugural meeting of the Forum of South-East Former Governors, a newly formed non-partisan platform designed to support and advise current state governors on critical zonal and national issues. The forum includes all former governors of South-East states, regardless of political affiliation.
In a communiqué read by former Ebonyi State governor and current Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, the forum commended President Tinubu for what they described as an “infrastructure revolution” in the South-East region. They also praised the federal government’s support to state administrations nationwide, noting that such assistance has significantly contributed to development achievements across the zone.
The former governors particularly highlighted the administration’s appointment of several South-Easterners to key federal positions and its commitment to infrastructural development in the region, which they said parallels efforts in other parts of the country.
The forum expressed strong support for the region’s current governors, describing their work in infrastructure development, security enhancement, and empowerment initiatives as “remarkable strides.” They further declared that South-East governors are united in their support for President Tinubu’s re-election, characterizing this position as a “strategic and forward-looking decision.”
As part of their next steps, the forum announced plans to engage directly with serving governors in the South-East, including a scheduled courtesy visit to brief them on the forum’s objectives and explore areas of collaboration.
“We boldly state that all the governors of the South East are supporting Mr. President’s re-election, and we commend them for this strategic decision,” the communiqué stated. “We will continue to support them in this regard.”
The inaugural meeting was attended by several prominent figures, including former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Chris Ngige (Anambra), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), David Umahi (Ebonyi), and Martin Elechi (Ebonyi).
The forum expressed commitment to continuing support for development initiatives in the region and to helping educate citizens about the efforts of both state and federal governments in advancing the South-East’s interests.
