South-East Governors Formally Endorse President Tinubu for Second Term, Vowing United Front
Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State have officially declared their support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office. Alongside key stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East geopolitical zone, the governors pledged to consolidate bloc votes from the region in the upcoming 2027 general election.
This significant endorsement took place at the South-East APC Stakeholders’ Meeting, an event dubbed “Izu Umunna,” held at the Presidential Hotel in Enugu. The gathering saw governors, party leaders, elected officials, and elder statesmen from across the zone committing to a unified political alignment with the federal government, characterizing this strategic shift as a move towards pragmatic, interest-driven politics.
A statement released by the media office of the Enugu State governor highlighted the leaders’ resolve to counteract what they termed the “balkanisation of the region’s votes” driven by individual ambitions. They warned that such fragmentation has historically diminished the South-East’s influence and bargaining power on the national stage.
Governor Uzodimma, who also chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, emphasized that the region cannot afford continued political isolation. He asserted that President Tinubu has demonstrated confidence in the South-East’s potential leading up to the 2027 elections.
“Politics is pay as you earn,” Governor Uzodimma stated. “No zone can produce a president alone. If we continue to vote provincially, we will remain on the sidelines of national power.” He pointed to the 2023 presidential election results as a stark reminder, noting that the South-East’s contribution of approximately six percent of the votes to the APC significantly weakened its leverage at the federal level, especially when compared to other regions that delivered between 34 and 54 percent of their votes.
Uzodimma further highlighted the APC’s expanding footprint in the South-East. He indicated that the party now governs three out of the five states in the region, has increased its representation in the Senate from six to eight seats, and has seen its presence in the House of Representatives grow from eight to 23 seats. “These numbers give us hope, but they also give us a challenge. The growth among leaders must reflect at the ballot box in 2027,” he urged.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described the endorsement as a “paradigm shift grounded in pragmatism.” He stressed that the decision was motivated by the tangible benefits accruing to the South-East through its alignment with the federal government. Mbah cited key federal interventions, including the revitalization of the Eastern Railway corridor, significant gas and energy development initiatives, and the concessioning of the Enugu Airport. These projects, he explained, are poised to establish Enugu as a crucial international gateway for the entire South-East.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is beyond a political slogan,” Mbah remarked. “It is about aligning vision at the centre with delivery at the states.”
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru expressed his conviction that all South-East governors would eventually be members of the APC by 2027. He called upon party leaders to prioritize reconciliation efforts while effectively managing the integration of new members into the party.
The motion to endorse President Tinubu for a second term was formally moved by former Senate President Pius Anyim and seconded by former Senate President Ken Nnamani. Nnamani cautioned that persistent grievances of marginalization would continue if the region failed to engage in strategic political maneuvering. “If you cry in the rain, nobody notices you. If you want to avoid the rain, you must stand under a shelter,” he advised.
Following the deliberations, a communiqué was issued, unanimously declaring President Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for 2027. The leaders explicitly rejected what they characterized as “ego-driven and divisive politics.” The communiqué detailed a commitment from the leaders to deploy all available human, material, and political resources to ensure substantial bloc votes for Tinubu across the five South-East states.
Prominent figures present at the meeting included the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Ikedi Ohakim; alongside numerous senators, members of the House of Representatives, and party elders from the region.
Criticisms Emerge Over Endorsement
The endorsement, however, has not been without its detractors. Apostle Eugene Ogu, a former Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Rivers State, publicly labeled the endorsement as “shameful.”
Apostle Ogu voiced his disapproval of the South-East leaders endorsing President Tinubu while the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, remains in detention. “These same elders went to President Tinubu and pleaded for Kanu’s release. The President rejected their plea. It therefore implies that they have been hoodwinking the people of the South-East on their promise that Kanu will be released. This is a grand deception,” Ogu stated.
He further argued that without a tangible sense of belonging within the federal government, President Tinubu would face significant opposition in the region during the next election. Ogu pointed to a perceived lack of federal presence, citing issues such as inadequate road networks and electricity supply across the South-East.
Ogu issued a stern warning that any attempts to discredit other prominent Igbo leaders, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, would lead to political repercussions. He also expressed skepticism regarding the APC’s actual popularity in the South-East, suggesting that the party is rapidly losing ground nationally. “APC is suddenly losing popularity in the South-East and Nigeria generally. APC will soon be deserted by Nigerians. Those defecting to the party are doing so just to protect their political future. I can assure you today that before the next election, APC will almost become empty,” he claimed.
He challenged the federal government to implement meaningful electoral reforms and grant the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) genuine independence. “When this is done, let us see how APC will fare with Nigerians given the present economic hardship and insecurity in the country,” Ogu added.
APC Christian Wing Addresses Religious Inclusivity
In a separate development, the APC’s Christian Wing in Adamawa State has refuted claims that the party is dominated by Muslims. The group asserted that President Tinubu’s re-election campaign transcends religious considerations.
Joseph Mwadyile, a spokesman for the wing, explained that the establishment of the Christian youth wing in Adamawa is intended to foster unity, promote inclusivity, and encourage the active participation of Christian youths within the party’s framework. “The APC is a national party built on inclusiveness, justice, fairness, and equal opportunity for all Nigerians—regardless of religion or ethnicity,” Mwadyile stated. He added that the wing aims to improve communication, counter misinformation, and stimulate greater engagement.
Mwadyile emphasized that the full inclusion of Christian youths would significantly bolster grassroots mobilization efforts and contribute to electoral success. He posited that President Tinubu’s continued leadership would lead to greater democratic stability and economic improvement, contrasting the APC’s governance approach with that of other parties perceived as solely focused on power acquisition.
While acknowledging that some predominantly Christian areas in Adamawa, such as Guyuk, Shelleng, Michika, and Numan, have historically shown reluctance to support the APC, Mwadyile confirmed that the party is actively working to shift perceptions and broaden its influence in these areas.
