2027: South-East Governors Have Agreed to Support Tinubu’s Re-election, Says Uzodimma
Reported by Fact Harbour News
OWERRI – Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has said the five governors of the South-East have resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing what he described as the Federal Government’s commitment to the development of the region through major infrastructure and economic initiatives.
Uzodimma made the disclosure during a meeting with members of the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers in Owerri, where he outlined the achievements of the Tinubu administration in the South-East and called for continued collaboration between the region and the Federal Government.
According to the governor, the decision followed a collective assessment by the governors of projects and policies implemented by the current administration in the South-East.
“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 further disclosed that the governors would soon pay a joint courtesy visit to President Tinubu as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government and advance the region’s development priorities.
Uzodimma maintained that the South-East could no longer ignore what he described as visible federal interventions across the region, insisting that the people would continue to support leaders based on measurable performance rather than political sentiments.
Among the key achievements highlighted by the governor was the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), which he described as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the region. He noted that President Tinubu signed the South East Development Commission Act into law on July 24, 2024, inaugurated the governing board in February 2025 and provided funding to enable the commission to commence operations.
The governor also pointed to the rehabilitation and commencement of commercial operations on the Port Harcourt–Aba rail line, describing it as an important milestone in reconnecting the South-East to Nigeria’s railway network.
He further praised the Federal Government for approving the reconstruction of the Eastern Rail Corridor from Port Harcourt through the South-East to Maiduguri, a project he said would improve regional integration, facilitate trade and stimulate economic growth.
On road infrastructure, Uzodimma commended the construction of the Phase 2A and 2B access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, including the dual carriageway linking Umunya, Ogbunike, Ogidi, Nkpor and Asaba. He also referenced the approval of the Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road and the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube/Okigwe Junction Road, saying the projects would enhance connectivity within the South-East and neighbouring regions.
Beyond infrastructure, the governor credited the Tinubu administration with implementing policies that have benefited all states, including increased allocations to state governments, student loan programmes, security initiatives and fiscal reforms aimed at improving the nation’s economy.
“The South-East has decided. Our people judge governments by performance and not by political sentiments. The evidence is on the ground,” he stated.
Turning to developments in Imo State, Uzodimma reiterated his commitment to implementing the state’s Charter of Equity, describing it as a critical framework for promoting fairness, political stability and peaceful rotation of power among the state’s geopolitical zones.
He recalled that upon assuming office in 2020, his administration inherited a politically divided state and introduced reforms aimed at restoring peace, rebuilding trust and strengthening inclusive governance.
According to him, the Charter of Equity, now backed by law, provides a transparent mechanism for ensuring equity in leadership succession and fostering unity among the people of Imo State.
“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,” the governor said.
He stressed that whoever succeeds him as governor must emerge in line with the Charter of Equity and possess the integrity, competence and commitment necessary to sustain the progress recorded under his administration.
Uzodimma also warned against attempts to undermine the Charter of Equity for personal political interests, declaring that he would vigorously defend the principle to preserve the state’s peace and stability.
In addition, the governor advocated greater investment in vocational education and skills acquisition, noting that empowering young people with practical skills remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing unemployment, combating crime and driving sustainable economic development.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at promoting peace, strengthening institutions and accelerating development across Imo State and the wider South-East region.