Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, said governors in the region have agreed to support President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. Uzodinma made the announcement on Friday during a New Year courtesy visit to Abia State Governor Alex Otti at his residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
South-East governors support Tinubu
Uzodinma said the decision reflects a desire to foster collaboration among South-East states to drive development across the region. He framed the move as part of his responsibility as Forum chairman to engage colleagues, share ideas and agree measures to improve welfare across their states.
“I have seen that he is doing well. I am here to wish him a happy New Year and to pray that God grants us wisdom to serve our people better,” Uzodinma said during the visit. He added that the meeting also offered an opportunity to acknowledge Governor Otti’s efforts in governance and to strengthen intergovernmental ties.
When asked about the political implications of the visit, Uzodinma observed that encounters between elected officials often attract political interpretation. He dismissed suggestions that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, could undermine President Tinubu’s prospects in 2027. Uzodinma described Tinubu as a national political figure whose policies and programmes on economic reform, security and social intervention have secured broad support.
“President Tinubu has implemented policies that are yielding results, and that is why leaders in the South-East have resolved to support him,” Uzodinma said, adding that the region had resolved to move away from divisive politics and embrace a broader national outlook.
Governor Otti described Uzodinma’s visit as a brotherly engagement rather than a strictly political event. He stressed the need for cooperation across different tiers of government regardless of party affiliations. “Government is one. You cannot be in opposition to a system you are part of,” Otti said.
Otti emphasised that while disagreements are inevitable, they should be addressed through appropriate channels and that collective decisions must be respected once taken. He thanked Uzodinma for the visit and prayed for continued peace and development in Imo State and across the South-East.
The governors also urged the media to report political developments accurately, noting that political sensitivities in the region require responsible communication. Both leaders highlighted the importance of unity, noting that they are first Nigerians before party affiliations and that a shared history and future should guide their actions.
The visit comes amid wider political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections as leaders increase consultations across party lines. Observers say these conversations are likely to shape the region’s posture in national politics, particularly if governors continue to seek collaborative approaches to development and security.
Key Takeaways:
- South-East governors support Tinubu as they pledge regional cooperation for development.
- Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma led a New Year visit to Abia Governor Alex Otti to reinforce collaboration.
- Leaders emphasised unity over divisive politics and called for accurate media reporting.
