Four South East governors have called on voters across the region to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, arguing that closer cooperation with the Federal Government would help consolidate infrastructure investment and economic development.
The appeal was made at the All Progressives Congress Women Mega Rally and Empowerment Programme held at Okpara Square, Enugu, and attended by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The governors associated with the call were Peter Mbah of Enugu, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi and Charles Soludo of Anambra, who was represented by Deputy Governor Gilbert Ibezim.
Governor Mbah said the administration’s economic reforms had increased resources available to state governments, enabling investments in Enugu’s Smart Green Schools, primary healthcare facilities and other public projects. He urged voters to assess the administration’s record and participate in the January 16 presidential election.
Uzodimma similarly linked improved state revenues to road construction, public services and the payment of salaries and pensions. He maintained that the South East stood to gain from stronger participation in national political alliances, while Nwifuru reaffirmed his support for the APC and called for votes for its candidates.
Speaking for the Anambra governor, Ibezim said cooperation between the region and the Federal Government could deliver further development opportunities. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu also urged South East leaders to pursue wider political partnerships and cited the establishment of the South East Development Commission as a significant federal initiative.
Kalu rejected the suggestion that the region’s political future should depend on an informal one-term presidential arrangement. He argued instead for building durable alliances that could strengthen the South East’s prospects of securing the presidency in future elections.
The First Lady urged supporters not to lose confidence because of the hardship associated with economic reforms. She said the administration believed the most difficult phase was passing and presented the women’s empowerment programme as part of its wider effort to support households and small businesses.
Organizers said the initiative would reach 5,000 women in the South East, with similar campaign and empowerment activities planned for other geopolitical zones. The event also drew federal and state officials, party leaders, and representatives of women’s organizations.
The endorsements reflect the governors’ stated political positions and do not establish a consensus among all South East voters or political groups. Independent reports from the event corroborate the rally and the governors’ appeals, while claims about the economic effects of federal reforms remain political assessments that should be attributed to the speakers.
