Governors of the South-East, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and key political stakeholders from the region have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to mobilise massive bloc votes across the zone.
The endorsement was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of the South-East APC leaders, critical stakeholders and elders’ meeting, known as the “Izu Umunne” gathering, held at the Presidential Hotel, Enugu.
South-East Declares Full Alignment with APC
The communiqué, presented by the National Vice Chairman of the APC (South East), Dr Ijeoma Arodiigbu, stated that the region had resolved to align fully with the ruling party in what it described as the “supreme interest of Ndi Igbo.”
The leaders warned that personal ambitions and ego-driven politics would no longer be tolerated at the expense of collective regional progress.
“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 communiqué read.
APC Described as Most Viable Platform
The leaders described the APC as the most practical political platform for the South-East, arguing that strategic alignment with the federal government was necessary to secure improved representation, appointments, infrastructure and development for the region.
“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,” the statement added.
They further declared their “total, unwavering and unalloyed support” for President Tinubu as the South-East’s sole presidential candidate in 2027.
Uzodimma: South-East Must Rebuild Its Political Bargaining Power
Speaking at the meeting, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said President Tinubu had entrusted the political future of his re-election bid to the region, describing it as both an honour and a responsibility.
Uzodimma acknowledged that the South-East’s low electoral contribution to the APC in the 2023 presidential election had weakened the region’s bargaining power at the national level.
“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 said.
He argued that backing Tinubu’s second term was both strategic and necessary for the region’s long-term political future.
“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,” Uzodimma added.
Mbah, Nwifuru Speak on Pragmatism and Reconciliation
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, described the endorsement as a pragmatic shift rooted in realism rather than sentiment.
“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 closer alignment with the federal government, citing ongoing infrastructure projects in the region.
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, expressed confidence that all South-East governors would eventually join the APC, urging leaders to embrace reconciliation and sacrifice for party unity.
“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.
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Anyim, Nnamani Move Formal Endorsement
The formal endorsement of President Tinubu was moved by former Senate President Senator Pius Anyim and seconded by Senator Ken Nnamani, both of whom described the decision as courageous, strategic and forward-looking.
Other prominent figures present at the meeting included Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Ikedi Ohakim, as well as senior party leaders and stakeholders from across the South-East.
