By Princely Onyenwe | Political Desk
OWERRI, Nigeria — Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma on Wednesday said the five governors of the South-East had agreed to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election, citing what he described as the administration’s developmental projects and increased federal attention to the region.
Uzodinma made the remarks during a meeting with members of the Imo State Council of Elders and the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers at the New Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri.
The governor, who chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, said the position was based on what he described as the Tinubu administration’s measurable achievements in the region rather than political sentiment.
According to him, the Federal Government has recorded significant interventions in the South-East, including the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt–Aba railway, construction of access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, and the approval of major federal highway projects linking states within the region.
Uzodinma argued that the projects demonstrate increased federal attention to the South-East and justified the governors’ support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He also criticised what he described as attempts by some politicians to portray the Federal Government negatively in the region, maintaining that the South-East should assess the administration based on its projects and policies.
Uzodinma Seeks Support for Charter of Equity
The governor also renewed his call for the implementation of the Imo Charter of Equity, describing it as essential for political stability, fairness, unity, and the equitable rotation of the governorship among the state’s three geopolitical zones.
He urged members of the Imo State Council of Elders and the Traditional Rulers Council to support the Charter and assist in developing a framework for its implementation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Uzodinma said his administration had promoted reconciliation and inclusive governance since assuming office and appealed to political stakeholders to place the collective interest of Imo people above personal ambitions.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying collaboration with the Federal Government had attracted key infrastructure and development projects to Imo State and the South-East.
Traditional Rulers, Elders React
Speaking during the meeting, the traditional ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanweh, commended the governor’s developmental efforts but appealed for greater attention to projects in Okigwe Zone, particularly the proposed university and other critical infrastructure, before the end of the administration.
A member of the Imo State Council of Elders, Chief George Egu, also praised the administration’s investments in road infrastructure and healthcare, saying residents had witnessed notable improvements in public service delivery.
Chairman of the Imo State Council of Elders, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya; Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Emmanuel C. Okeke; Prince Lemmy Akakem; and Ambassador Kema Chikwe also expressed support for Governor Uzodinma’s leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to equity, fairness, and the continued development of Imo State.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu; Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; and members of the expanded Imo State Executive Council.
Source: Imo State Government Press Release.
