2027: 5 South-East Governors Back Tinubu’s Re-Election, Says Uzodimma

Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, has disclosed that the five governors of the South-East have resolved to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing what he described as the President’s unprecedented commitment to the region’s development through landmark infrastructure and economic initiatives.

Uzodimma said the governors had reviewed the performance of the Tinubu administration in relation to the development of the South-East and unanimously agreed that the region would continue to identify with the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda because of the tangible dividends already delivered.

Speaking during a meeting with the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers in Owerri, the governor said the South-East could no longer be swayed by political rhetoric, given the visible evidence of federal intervention across the zone.

“We, the five governors of the South-East, have reviewed all options and decided that we will work with President Bola Tinubu because we want to be part of the Project Nigeria,” Uzodimma said.

He added that the governors would soon pay a joint courtesy visit to President Tinubu to strengthen their partnership with the Federal Government further.

According to him, the decision was informed by the administration’s record in addressing long-standing developmental concerns in the South-East, including the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC). This demand had remained unmet since the end of the Civil War.

The governor noted that President Tinubu signed the South East Development Commission Act into law on 24 July 2024, inaugurated its governing board in February 2025, and ensured that the commission commenced operations with funding.

He also highlighted the rehabilitation and commencement of commercial operations on the Port Harcourt–Aba rail line, describing it as the first practical step towards reconnecting the South-East to the national rail network.

Uzodimma further praised the President’s approval of a $3 billion reconstruction of the Eastern Rail Corridor stretching from Port Harcourt through the South-East to Maiduguri, saying the project would significantly boost commerce and regional integration.

On road infrastructure, the governor commended the Federal Government for executing the Phase 2A and 2B access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, including the dual carriageway linking Umunya, Ogbunike, Ogidi, Nkpor and Asaba, with seven bridges along the corridor.

He also referenced the approval of the 108-kilometre Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road and the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube/Okigwe Junction Road, projects he said would strengthen economic connectivity between Anambra, Imo, Abia and other parts of the country.

Uzodimma argued that beyond projects specific to the South-East, the region had equally benefited from national policies of the Tinubu administration, including increased allocations to states, student loan programmes, improved security efforts, and fiscal reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business.

“The South-East has decided. Our people judge governments by performance, not by political sentiment. The evidence is on the ground,” he said.

Turning to state matters, Uzodimma urged the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers to remain committed to the implementation of the state’s Charter of Equity, insisting that the law remains the foundation for lasting peace, justice and political stability in Imo.

He recalled that upon assuming office in 2020, he inherited a deeply divided state and initiated reforms aimed at restoring order, rebuilding trust and ensuring inclusiveness in governance.

According to him, the enactment of the Charter of Equity by the Imo State House of Assembly was designed to institutionalise fairness in the rotation of political power and guarantee that every part of the state has a sense of belonging.

“The Charter of Equity is real, and I need your mandate to implement it because that is what will bring lasting peace to Imo State,” he said.

The governor maintained that the next governor of Imo State must emerge in line with the Charter of Equity and possess the character, integrity and commitment required to preserve the gains recorded by his administration.

He stressed that whoever succeeds him must be God-fearing, fair-minded and committed to sustaining the principles of equity, justice and good governance, rather than reversing the progress already achieved.

Uzodimma warned against attempts to undermine the Charter of Equity for personal political interests, declaring that he would personally defend the law to safeguard the state’s future stability.

“I will take the fight personally to protect the Charter of Equity. I will stop at nothing,” he declared.

The governor also advocated greater investment in skills acquisition and vocational education, saying that equipping young people with practical skills remains one of the most effective ways to tackle unemployment, reduce crime, and drive sustainable economic growth in Imo State.

He urged traditional rulers to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at maintaining peace, promoting development and ensuring that the state remains on the path of stability and inclusive progress.