Ahead of the 2027 general election, former governors from Nigeria’s South East region have expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu, citing ongoing infrastructural development across the zone.
The position was announced on Tuesday following the inauguration of the Forum of South East Former Governors, a platform established to support and advise serving governors on key regional and national issues.
According to a communiqué read by former Ebonyi State governor and Minister of Works, David Umahi, the forum is designed as a non partisan body open to all former governors from the region, regardless of political affiliation.
The group noted that although some members were absent due to medical and other commitments, it expects broader participation in future meetings.
The forum commended current South East governors for what it described as “remarkable strides” in infrastructure, security, and empowerment initiatives.
It also praised President Tinubu for what it termed an “infrastructure revolution” in the region, as well as for appointing individuals from the South East into key positions within his administration.
Additionally, the former governors acknowledged the Federal Government’s support to state administrations nationwide, stating that such assistance has contributed significantly to developmental achievements across the region.
The forum further declared that governors in the South East are united in their backing of President Tinubu’s re election bid, describing the move as a strategic and forward looking decision.
As part of its next steps, the body plans to engage directly with serving governors in the region, including a scheduled courtesy visit to discuss its objectives and areas of collaboration.
“The South East Forum of Former Governors is hereby formed today, the 7th of April 2026. The purpose of this body is to support the serving governors of the South East and advise them on key zonal and national matters.
“The forum shall be open to all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, who have served in the South East.
“We commend the great work that the current governors of the South East are doing for the benefit of our people.
“We also commend Mr. President very highly for the appointments some of them very significant given to sons and daughters of the South East, as well as for the infrastructure development in the region, just as is being done in other parts of the country.
“We thank Mr. President for the support extended to the governors of the South East, and indeed to all governors across the country. This support has greatly contributed to the achievements recorded in their respective offices.
“We are grateful to Mr. President, and we also commend our dear governors of the South East for their commitment to the welfare of the people, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, empowerment, and security.
“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. We will continue to support them in this regard,” the communiqué stated.
Those in attendance included Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chris Ngige, Sullivan Chime, Okezie Ikpeazu, David Umahi, and Martin Elechi.
