…’S’East already reaping benefits of aligning with the centre’
…We’re building bridge that will benefit our children – Gov Uzodinma
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governors of the South-East, leaders of and critical stakeholders from the region have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring their resolve to mobilise massive bloc votes for him across the zone.
The endorsement was contained in a communique 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 communique, as presented by the National Vice Chairman (South East) of the APC, Ijeoma Arodiogbu, 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,” the communique stated.
The leaders declared the APC as the most viable political platform for the region, citing the need for strategic alignment with the centre to secure better representation, infrastructure, appointments and development.
“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.
“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,” the communique added.
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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.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, against all odds, entrusted his political fate in 2027 in the hands of APC South-East. That is a profound statement. On our capacity as leaders of this zone lies the burden of ensuring that the South-East becomes part and parcel of the national equation,” Uzodimma said.
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.
“While other zones were busy building national bridges, the South-East chose a strange path. In 2023, other zones gave between 34 and 54 per cent to our candidate, while the South-East gave just six per cent. When you are politically predictable, you are easy to ignore,” he noted.
Uzodimma argued that supporting Tinubu’s second term was both strategic and necessary.
“President Tinubu is entitled to a second term to complete the work he has started. If we stay firmly with him to complete his eight years, we are building a bridge that our children will cross when it is our turn to aspire to the presidency,” he said.
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.
“This is not a whimsical decision. It is grounded in facts and in the understanding that success as a region comes from clarity of vision, discipline of strategy and relentless delivery,” Mbah said.
He noted that the South-East was already benefiting from alignment with the centre, citing key infrastructure projects.
“The Eastern Rail Line is back on the national map. The Enugu airport concession has positioned Enugu as an international gateway for the South-East. These are not symbolic gestures; they are strategic decisions that show a federal leadership that understands partnership and decentralised execution,” he stated.
Mbah emphasised that the era of fragmented politics in the South-East was coming to an end.
“In collectively affirming this endorsement, we are saying that the South-East will no longer stand as a divided political unit. This is a moment to think clearly, act strategically and remain focused on outcomes,” he said.
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.
“Party politics is about give and take. APC is now a large family, and sacrifices must be made. Our responsibility now is not how to build the party again, but how to manage it,” Nwifuru said.
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.
Nnamani said complaining about marginalisation without a political alignment with the centre was akin to one crying in the rain, saying such a person could hardly be noticed.
“What we have to do is to go under a shade by aligning to the centre,” he said.
Other prominent figures at the meeting included Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Ikedi Ohakim, among other party leaders and stakeholders.
