Ex-South East governors back Tinubu for 2027, form new forum

Former governors of the South-East geopolitical zone have declared their total support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 and formed a new group.

The ex-governors disclosed this on Tuesday in Enugu after a meeting, where they announced the formation of the South East Forum of Former Governors.

Held at the Presidential Lodge in Enugu, the forum stated that its primary objective is to provide a non-partisan advisory platform for the current presiding governors of the zone on key zonal and national issues.

Addressing journalists at the end of the maiden session, the Minister of Works and former governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, who convened the meeting, read a communiqué detailing the group’s position.

According to the communique, the former state executives resolved to throw their weight behind the President due to his “infrastructure revolution” and the strategic appointment of South-East indigenes into key national positions.

Umahi said, “We boldly say that all the governors of the South-East are supporting Mr President’s re-election, and we are very grateful for them because this is strategic thinking and a strategic approach. For this, we will continue to give them support.”

The forum also commended the five serving governors of the region for their commitment to infrastructure development, security, and the empowerment of the people.

The minister further noted that President Tinubu’s financial assistance to all state governors across the country had significantly aided the South-East governors in recording high-level achievements in their respective states.

Explaining the membership of the new body, Umahi stated, “The forum shall be for all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, so long as they have been governors in the South-East. The body is to support our presiding governors and advise them on key zonal and national matters.”

While acknowledging the absence of some colleagues, the Minister explained that several former governors were currently out of the country for medical checkups or tied down by prior engagements.

He listed those expected at the next meeting to include Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, and Chief Theodore Orji, expressing confidence that over 90 per cent of former governors would be in attendance at the next sitting in two weeks.

Those present at the inaugural meeting included Elder Martins Elechi (Ebonyi), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Dr Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Dr Chris Ngige (Anambra).

The delegation subsequently paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, requesting that he brief the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum on the development and schedule a formal briefing session between the former and current governors to ensure synergy of ideas for the region’s progress.