Five former South-East governors, including Dr. Chris Ngige, on Tuesday in Enugu, formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office come 2027.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of deliberations by the newly-formed South East Forum of former Governors.
Among those present at the meeting were former Anambra State governor, Ngige, former Enugu governors, Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Abia governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, and former governors of Ebonyi State, Martin Elechi and David Umahi.
Reading the communiqué, Umahi, who is the current Minister of Works, said the forum was formally established on April 7, 2026, to support serving South-East governors and provide advisory input on regional and national issues.
This is the first time since 2020 that Ngige, who used to be a former political ally of President Tinubu, would be publicly appreciating him as his political leader.
In July 2020, Ngige, as Minister of Labour and Employment, caused a stir during a probe session an the House of Representatives, when, in a heated argument with Hon. James Faleke, told the lawmaker that he (Ngige) was on a level above Faleke’s master (Tinubu).
“You are a small boy…I am about the same age as your mentor in Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He was governor about the same time I was governor. He was senator. I was senator. I am a two-time minister. He’s not a minister,” Ngige declared, facing Faleke.
Also, in October 2022, after Tinubu had emerged winner at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, which Ngige had indicated interest, the former Anambra governor refused to publicly support his party’s flag bearer.
At the Enugu meeting, however, Umahi explained that several former governors, including Ikedi Ohakim, Orji Uzor Kalu, Chimaroke Nnamani, Theodore Orji, and Virgnia Etiaba, were absent due to prior engagements, including medical trips and other commitments.
He, however, expressed optimism that more than 90 percent of former governors from the region would attend subsequent meetings scheduled in the coming weeks.
According to the communiqué, the forum is open to all former governors of the South-East, regardless of political affiliation, and is aimed at fostering unity while strengthening support for incumbent governors in the zone.
“We commend Mr. President for key appointments given to sons and daughters of the South-East, as well as the infrastructure revolution ongoing in the region and across the country,” Umahi said.
The communiqué further stated that the forum supports the re-election bid of President Tinubu, noting that all serving South-East governors are aligned with the position.
“We boldly say that all the governors of the South-East are supporting Mr
President’s re-election, and we will continue to give them our full support,” he added.
The group commended current South-East governors for their efforts in infrastructure development, security, and empowerment.
They also also praised President Tinubu for what it described as inclusive appointments and ongoing infrastructure projects in the region.
Umahi also revealed plans for the forum to engage directly with current governors in the region to strengthen collaboration and promote awareness of government initiatives.
On the absence of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi from the meeting, Umahi clarified that not all former governors were present, reiterating that broader participation is expected at the next gathering.
The communique stressed that the forum would not replace South East governor’s forum but would collaborate with them to know areas they can assist.
The meeting marks a significant political development in the South-East as stakeholders begin to position themselves ahead of the next general election cycle.
