NEWS
2027: 5 South-East Governors Resolve to Back Tinubu’s Re-election as Gov. Hope Uzodimma Lists Major Federal Projects Driving Decision
MImo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has revealed that the five governors of the South-East have reached a collective decision to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing what he described as the administration’s unprecedented commitment to the development of the region through critical infrastructure, economic reforms and long-awaited intervention projects.
The declaration signals what could become a significant political realignment ahead of the next general election, with the South-East leadership aligning itself with the Federal Government on the basis of performance and developmental gains rather than partisan considerations.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers in Owerri, Governor Uzodimma said the governors carefully assessed the achievements of the Tinubu administration in the South-East before arriving at a unanimous decision to support the President’s second-term bid.
According to him, the region has witnessed concrete federal interventions that address decades-old developmental challenges, making continued collaboration with the Federal Government a strategic necessity.
“We, the five governors of the South-East, have reviewed all options and decided that we will work with President Bola Tinubu because we want to be part of the Project Nigeria“ Uzodimma declared.
He further disclosed that the governors would soon embark on a joint courtesy visit to President Tinubu to consolidate the growing partnership between the South-East and the Federal Government.
Governor Uzodimma identified the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as one of the administration’s most historic achievements for the region. He noted that the commission, which had remained an unfulfilled aspiration since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, finally became a reality under President Tinubu.
He recalled that the President signed the South East Development Commission Act into law on July 24, 2024, inaugurated its governing board in February 2025 and ensured that the commission commenced operations with funding, creating a new platform for coordinated development across the South-East.
The Imo governor also highlighted major transport infrastructure projects currently being executed by the Federal Government, including the rehabilitation and commercial resumption of the Port Harcourt–Aba rail line, describing it as a landmark step towards reconnecting the South-East to Nigeria’s national railway network.
He equally praised President Tinubu for approving the $3 billion reconstruction of the Eastern Rail Corridor extending from Port Harcourt through the South-East to Maiduguri, saying the project would significantly enhance commerce, regional integration and economic growth.
On road infrastructure, Uzodimma pointed to the ongoing construction of the Phase 2A and 2B access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, including the dual carriageway linking Umunya, Ogbunike, Ogidi, Nkpor and Asaba with seven bridges along the corridor.
He also referenced the approval of the 108-kilometre Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road as well as the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube/Okigwe Junction Road, noting that the projects would improve connectivity among Anambra, Imo, Abia and neighbouring states while opening up new economic opportunities.
Beyond infrastructure, Uzodimma maintained that the South-East has benefited from broader national policies of the Tinubu administration, including increased allocations to states, the student loan programme, enhanced security efforts and fiscal reforms aimed at improving the business environment.
“The South-East has decided. Our people judge governments by performance and not by political sentiments. The evidence is on the ground,“ he stated.
Shifting attention to developments within Imo State, the governor called on the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers to continue supporting the implementation of the state’s Charter of Equity, describing it as the cornerstone for enduring peace, justice and political stability.
He recalled that upon assuming office in 2020, his administration inherited a politically divided state and subsequently introduced reforms aimed at rebuilding confidence, promoting inclusion and institutionalising fairness in governance.
According to him, the Charter of Equity, now backed by legislation enacted by the Imo State House of Assembly, was designed to guarantee equitable rotation of political power and ensure that every part of the state enjoys a sense of belonging.
“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 insisted that whoever succeeds him as governor must emerge in accordance with the Charter of Equity and possess the integrity, competence and commitment required to sustain the developmental strides recorded by his administration.
He stressed that the next governor should be God-fearing, fair-minded and dedicated to preserving the ideals of equity, justice and good governance instead of reversing the progress achieved over the years.
Warning against attempts to undermine the Charter of Equity for personal political ambitions, the governor vowed to defend the principle with every available means.
“I will take the fight personally to protect the Charter of Equity. I will stop at nothing,“ he declared.
Governor Uzodimma also underscored the importance of youth empowerment through skills acquisition and vocational education, describing practical training as one of the most effective strategies for reducing unemployment, tackling crime and driving sustainable economic development across Imo State.
He concluded by urging traditional rulers to continue partnering with government in preserving peace, encouraging development and ensuring that Imo State remains on the path of stability, inclusiveness and sustained progress.