South-East governors back Tinubu’s second-term bid, cite regional development projects

The five governors of the South-East have resolved to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, citing what they described as the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth in the region.

Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum (SEGF) and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, made the declaration on Wednesday during a meeting with members of the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers in Owerri.

Uzodimma said the decision followed an assessment of the Federal Government’s interventions in the region under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he claimed had delivered significant projects and increased federal attention to the South-East.

“The South-East has decided. Our people judge governments by performance and not by political sentiments. The evidence is on the ground,” the governor said.

He added that the five governors had reviewed their options and decided to work with Tinubu because they wanted the region to be part of what he described as “Project Nigeria.”

The Imo governor disclosed that the South-East governors would soon visit President Tinubu to further consolidate their relationship with the Federal Government.

SEDC, rail projects highlighted

Uzodimma identified the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as one of the administration’s major achievements in the region.

He recalled that Tinubu signed the South East Development Commission Act into law in 2024 and provided funding for the commission to commence operations, describing it as a significant move towards addressing the region’s developmental challenges.

He also highlighted the Federal Government’s approval of the $3bn reconstruction of the Eastern Rail Corridor, which runs from Port Harcourt through the South-East to Maiduguri.

According to him, the project would improve transportation, boost trade and strengthen economic integration across the region.

The governor also mentioned the ongoing construction of access roads to the Second Niger Bridge as another major intervention. The project includes a dual carriageway connecting Umunya, Ogbunike, Ogidi, Nkpor and Asaba, alongside the construction of seven bridges.

Uzodimma further cited the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line and the resumption of commercial train services as evidence of improved connectivity between the South-East and other parts of the country.

Political realignment ahead of 2027

Beyond infrastructure, the governor said South-East states had benefited from increased federal allocations, improved security efforts and the Federal Government’s student loan programme.

He urged traditional rulers and elders in Imo State to continue supporting the state’s Charter of Equity, describing it as a framework for maintaining peace, fairness and political stability.

The endorsement comes amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On Tuesday, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, a senior member of the opposition Labour Party, praised some of President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as bold moves that have sparked further debate over the administration’s performance across political divides.