Former governors from Nigeria’s South-East region have thrown their weight behind the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu, describing the support earlier declared by serving governors in the zone as a well-calculated and strategic move.
The position was reached during a closed-door meeting held on Tuesday in Enugu, where the former leaders also announced the formation of a new body known as the South-East Former Governors’ Forum.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Dave Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, explained that the forum was established to collaborate with and advise serving governors on key regional and national issues.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring continuity in policy direction across the zone.
In remarks conveyed through his spokesperson, Francis Nwaze, Umahi noted that the forum would serve as a support structure for incumbent governors, offering guidance on matters affecting the South-East and the country at large.
The former governors used the occasion to commend President Tinubu for what they described as ongoing development efforts nationwide, with particular emphasis on infrastructure projects.
They also expressed appreciation for federal appointments given to individuals from the South-East, describing them as significant and inclusive.
They further acknowledged the President’s support to governors in the region, stating that such collaboration has contributed positively to development efforts in the zone.
Reaffirming their stance, the group declared that all sitting governors in the South-East are aligned in their support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, pledging to stand firmly behind them in that decision.
Among those present at the meeting were former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Sullivan Chime of Enugu State; Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State; Chris Ngige of Anambra State; and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
The meeting marks a significant political alignment in the region as preparations gradually build toward future electoral contests, with the former governors positioning themselves as key stakeholders in shaping both regional and national political discourse.
