In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, former state executives from across the South East geo-political zone have formally launched the South East Former Governors Forum, declaring their total support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The birth of the forum was announced on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following a maiden high-level meeting held in Enugu. The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, who briefed the press after the session, described the platform as a non-partisan body designed to foster regional cooperation and national development.

Senator Umahi explained that the forum aims to serve as an advisory body to current South East governors, bridging the gap between past leadership experience and present governance. He emphasized that membership is open to all former governors from the region, regardless of their political party affiliations.

“The body is to support our presiding governors of South East and advise them on key zonal and national matters,” Umahi stated. He further noted that while several members were currently abroad for medical checkups or other engagements, attendance is expected to exceed 90 percent in subsequent meetings.

A significant highlight of the forum’s debut was its categorical endorsement of President Tinubu’s second-term bid. The former leaders expressed deep appreciation for the President’s “infrastructural revolution” across the South East and the appointment of the region’s sons and daughters into key national positions.

“We boldly say that all the governors of South East are supporting Mr. President’s reelection and we will continue to give them support,” the forum declared, while also thanking the President for his consistent assistance to the current state executives in the zone.

The forum used the occasion to commend the sitting governors of the five South East states for their ongoing efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. Following the meeting, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, to further strengthen the ties between the new forum and the current administration.

Prominent leaders present at the inaugural meeting included former governors Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Martin Elechi (Ebonyi), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Chris Ngige (Anambra), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu). The forum is scheduled to reconvene in the coming weeks to expand its membership and further its strategic engagements.