OWERRI — The Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has disclosed that the governors of the five South-Eastern states have agreed to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.
Uzodimma made the disclosure in Owerri while addressing traditional rulers and members of the Imo State Elders Council, saying the decision was based on what the governors described as the Federal Government’s developmental interventions and policies across the South-East.
According to the governor, the five South-East governors, despite belonging to different political parties, have reviewed the performance of the Tinubu administration in the region and resolved to collaborate with the Federal Government.
He said the people of the South-East were more concerned about tangible development and measurable results than political sentiments.
“The South-East has decided. Our people judge governments by performance and not by political sentiments. The evidence is on the ground,” Uzodimma said.
The governor disclosed that the five governors would soon embark on a joint courtesy visit to President Tinubu as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the region and the Federal Government.
Uzodimma, who also serves as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, cautioned politicians against allegedly using Igbo platforms to promote what he described as unfounded claims and propaganda.
He argued that the people of the South-East would not exchange visible infrastructure and development projects for political rhetoric.
“The Igbos are too discerning and too results-driven to trade tangible infrastructure for political speeches. The South-East will stand with Tinubu’s administration that has favoured them,” he stated.
The Imo governor said the decision of the South-East governors was influenced by several projects and policies of the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).
He described the creation of the commission as the fulfilment of a long-standing demand by the people of the region, noting that President Tinubu signed the South-East Development Commission Act into law on July 24, 2024.
Uzodimma further said the President inaugurated the governing board of the commission in February 2025 and provided funding to enable it to commence operations.
He also listed the rehabilitation and resumption of commercial operations on the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line among the Federal Government’s interventions in the region.
According to him, the approval of the $3 billion reconstruction of the Eastern Rail Corridor, which is expected to connect Port Harcourt to Maiduguri through the South-East, is another significant infrastructure project that would improve transportation and economic activities in the region.
On road infrastructure, Uzodimma highlighted the construction of Phase 2A and Phase 2B access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, including the dual carriageway connecting Umunya, Ogbunike, Ogidi, Nkpor and Asaba.
He also mentioned the approval of the 108-kilometre Otuocha-Anam-Abaji Road and the 150-kilometre Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Ihube/Okigwe Junction Road.
The governor said the projects, when completed, would enhance connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods and contribute to increased economic activities across the South-East.
Uzodimma added that the region had also benefited from broader national policies introduced by the Tinubu administration, including increased financial allocations to state governments, the student loan scheme, security initiatives and fiscal reforms.
Uzodimma Defends Imo Charter of Equity
Speaking on political developments in Imo State, Uzodimma called on members of the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers to continue supporting the implementation of the state’s Charter of Equity.
He said the charter, which was enacted by the Imo State House of Assembly, was designed to institutionalise fairness in the rotation of political power and promote peace, stability and unity in the 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.
Uzodimma maintained that his successor should emerge in accordance with the principles of the Charter of Equity and should possess the integrity, character and commitment required to sustain the achievements recorded by his administration.
He also warned against attempts to undermine the charter for political interests, stressing that he would personally resist any move that could threaten its implementation.
“I will take the fight personally to protect the Charter of Equity. I will stop at nothing,” he declared.
The governor further called for greater investment in skills acquisition and vocational education, describing them as important tools for addressing unemployment, reducing crime and promoting sustainable economic growth.
He urged traditional rulers and other community leaders to continue supporting government programmes aimed at maintaining peace, encouraging development and promoting inclusive growth across Imo State.
