Wetin dey happen for Naija politics ground don carry new twist as former governors wey don rule states for South-East region come together form one new forum. The meeting wey hold for Enugu on Tuesday, 7th April 2026, na where dem officially launch the South-East Forum of Former Governors. The main talk wey dey ground na say dem don endorse President Bola Tinubu for second term wey go come for 2027 election.
Minister of Works and former governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, be the person wey read the communiqué wey come out from the meeting. Him yarn say the forum na to support the governors wey dey rule now for the region and give dem advice on matters wey concern the zone and the whole country. Umahi talk say the body go open for all former governors from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, no matter which political party dem dey before.
For the meeting, some big names show face. Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi from Enugu State dey there. Martin Elechi and Dave Umahi from Ebonyi State join. Chris Ngige from Anambra and Okezie Ikpeazu from Abia State also dey present. But some other former governors no come. Umahi explain say dem no dey because of prior engagements, some dey travel for medical checkup abroad, others get different commitments.
The former governors commot mouth praise the governors wey dey serve now for the region. Dem talk say the current leaders dey try for infrastructure development, security matters, and empowerment programs wey dey help the people. But the main gist wey make noise na the endorsement for President Tinubu. According to the communiqué, the forum say dem support Tinubu re-election bid and dem bold talk say all the serving South-East governors dey align with that position.
Why dem dey support Tinubu? The former governors point to what dem call “infrastructure revolution” wey dey happen for the region and across Nigeria. Dem also mention the appointments wey Tinubu give to sons and daughters of South-East for key positions for federal government. Umahi yarn say, “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.”
About those wey no show for the meeting, dem mention some names. Ikedi Ohakim, Orji Uzor Kalu, Chimaroke Nnamani, Theodore Orji, and Virginia Etiaba no dey present. Even former Anambra Governor Peter Obi no come. But Umahi talk say dem expect over 90 percent of former governors to attend the next meeting wey dem plan to hold within two weeks. Him express optimism say the forum go get full participation soon.
The forum make am clear say dem no be parallel body to the South-East Governors' Forum wey the current governors dey run. Instead, dem say dem want to collaborate with the serving governors and support their work. Umahi talk say, “We are not a parallel body. This is for support.” Dem even plan to pay courtesy visit to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, wey dem expect to carry the forum message go meet the Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma.
Political observers wey dey watch the matter say this development na significant one as stakeholders dey begin position themselves ahead of 2027 general elections. The formation of this forum and the endorsement of Tinubu show say political alignment dey happen for South-East region. Whether this go translate to electoral support na wetin time go tell.
As the forum plan their next moves, dem talk say dem go engage directly with current governors to strengthen collaboration. Dem also want to help promote awareness of government initiatives and achievements for the people. With former governors from different political parties coming together, the body dey present one united front wey dey focus on regional development and national politics.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng
