The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, on Tuesday led a coalition of former South-East governors in endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced in Enugu following a closed-door meeting of the Forum of Former South-East Governors, where members unanimously threw their weight behind the President, citing what they described as strategic political alignment and visible federal support to the region.
Reading the communiqué after the meeting, Umahi said the forum not only supports Tinubu’s re-election bid but also commended the sitting governors in the South-East for adopting what he called a “strategic approach” in backing the President.
“We boldly say that all the governors of the South-East are supporting Mr. President’s re-election, and we are very grateful to them because this is strategic thinking and a strategic approach,” Umahi stated.
He added that the forum would continue to work in synergy with current officeholders in the region, noting that broader consultations involving more former governors would take place in the coming weeks.
The forum praised Tinubu for what it described as increased federal presence in the South-East, particularly in infrastructure development and political appointments.
According to the communiqué, these interventions have contributed significantly to the performance of governors across the region.
“We thank Mr. President for the assistance extended to governors of the South-East, and indeed all governors of the country. This support has greatly enhanced the achievements recorded in their respective states,” the statement read.
Among those present at the meeting were former governors Martin Elechi (Ebonyi), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Chris Ngige (Anambra).
The development signals a growing consolidation of political support for Tinubu within the South-East, a region that has historically leaned toward opposition parties in presidential elections. Analysts say the move could reshape the region’s political dynamics as the 2027 race gradually takes shape.
The forum also hinted at expanding its membership and influence, with plans to convene another meeting within two weeks to accommodate more former governors and deepen consultations on the region’s political future.
