Former governors from the South-East , Nigeria have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was reached on Tuesday at a meeting held in Enugu, where the ex-governors also unveiled the South East Forum of Former Governors.
Presenting the communiqué at the end of the meeting, Minister of Works and former governor of Ebonyi State , Dave Umahi, said the forum was established to support incumbent governors in the region and provide advisory input on both regional and national issues.
“The South East Forum of Former Governors was formally established today, April 7, 2026, to support our serving governors and provide advisory input on regional and national matters,” Umahi said.
Those present at the meeting included former governors Sullivan Chime, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chris Ngige, Okezie Ikpeazu and Martin Elechi.
Umahi disclosed that some former governors, including Ikedi Ohakim, Orji Uzor Kalu, Chimaroke Nnamani, Theodore Orji and Virginia Etiaba, were absent due to prior engagements.
“Some of our colleagues could not attend due to prior commitments, including medical trips and other engagements, but we expect over 90 per cent participation in subsequent meetings,” he said.
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According to the communiqué, the forum is open to all former South-East governors, irrespective of political affiliation, with the aim of fostering unity and strengthening support for sitting governors in the region.
Commending the President, Umahi noted ongoing infrastructure development and appointments in the zone.
“We commend Mr President for key appointments given to sons and daughters of the South-East, as well as the infrastructure revolution ongoing in the region and across the country,” he said.
The forum declared its backing for Tinubu’s second term bid, aligning with the position of serving governors in the region.
“We boldly say that all the governors of the South-East are supporting Mr President’s re-election, and we will continue to give them our full support,” Umahi stated.
The group also praised current governors for strides in infrastructure, security and empowerment programmes.
On the absence of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, Umahi clarified that the meeting did not have full attendance.
“Not all former governors were present at this meeting, but we are confident of broader participation in the next gathering,” he said.
The communiqué stressed that the new body would not replace the South-East Governors’ Forum but would work collaboratively with it.
“This forum will not replace the South-East Governors’ Forum; rather, it will collaborate with them to identify areas where we can assist,” Umahi explained.
