By Our Reporter
Governors of the South-East, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and critical stakeholders from the region have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring their resolve to mobilise massive bloc votes for him across the zone.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the South-East APC leaders critical stakeholders and elders’ meeting, known as the “Izu Umunne” gathering, held at the Presidential Hotel, Enugu.
Adopting the communiqué, as presented by the National Vice Chairman (South East) of the APC, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiigbu, the leaders said the South-East had resolved to align fully with the ruling party in the supreme interest of Ndi Igbo, stressing that personal ambitions and ego-driven actions would no longer be allowed to undermine the collective future of the zone.
“The people of the South-East categorically dissociate themselves from all activities motivated by the self-serving interests of any individual, however highly placed. The progress of our zone and our great party cannot be achieved through narrow personal ambitions or actions that fracture collective unity. We have resolved to support the All Progressives Congress as the most practical party of choice for our people. This decision is anchored on the transformative policies of the APC-led Federal Government and the imperative of strategic alignment to secure our fair share of national resources and development,” they said.
The South-East leaders further declared their total, unwavering and unalloyed support for President Tinubu as the zone’s sole presidential candidate in 2027, adding “We are convinced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued stewardship holds the brightest prospects for accelerated development of our region and the nation as a whole”.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said President Tinubu had entrusted the political future of his re-election bid to the South-East, describing it as both an honour and a responsibility.
He said the South-East’s marginal contribution to the APC’s 2023 presidential victory had weakened the region’s bargaining power, urging leaders to adopt a broader national outlook.
Uzodimma argued that supporting Tinubu’s second term was both strategic and necessary.
Also speaking, Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, described the endorsement of Tinubu and the growing movement of South-East leaders to the APC as a paradigm shift rooted in pragmatism.
He noted that the South-East was already benefiting from alignment with the centre, citing key infrastructure projects.
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, expressed confidence that all South-East governors would eventually belong to the APC, urging leaders to embrace reconciliation and sacrifice.
The endorsement of President Tinubu was formally moved by former Senate President, Senator Pius Anyim, and seconded by Senator Ken Nnamani, who described the decision as courageous and forward-looking.
