Former governors from Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone have declared their support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, while also unveiling a new platform aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and governance.
The decision was announced on Tuesday in Enugu following a high-level meeting held at the Presidential Lodge. At the gathering, the ex-governors formally established the South East Forum of Former Governors, a body designed to serve as a non-partisan advisory group for current governors in the region.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, Senator David Umahi, who convened the session, presented a communiqué outlining the forum’s objectives and resolutions. He explained that the group would focus on offering strategic guidance on both regional and national matters, regardless of political affiliations.
According to Umahi, the forum unanimously agreed to support President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, citing ongoing infrastructure development and the inclusion of South-East indigenes in key federal appointments as major reasons for their endorsement.
He noted that the collective backing of the region’s current governors reflects a unified and forward-looking approach to governance, adding that the forum would continue to encourage such alignment for the benefit of the South-East.
The former governors also commended the incumbent state leaders in the zone for their efforts in improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and promoting economic empowerment. They acknowledged that federal support, particularly in the form of financial assistance to states, has contributed significantly to the progress recorded across the region.
Umahi further explained that membership of the newly formed forum is open to all former South-East governors, irrespective of their political party, as long as they have previously held office in any state within the zone. The aim, he said, is to foster unity and provide experienced counsel to those currently in leadership.
While some former governors were absent from the inaugural meeting due to travel and other commitments, Umahi expressed optimism that a larger number would attend the next session scheduled to hold in two weeks.
