By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 3, 2026
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, has announced that Governors in the region have agreed to support President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Uzodinma made the disclosure on Friday during a New Year courtesy visit to Abia State Governor Alex Otti at his residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
According to him, the decision was driven by the need to foster collaboration among South-East states to accelerate development across the region.
“As Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, I have a responsibility to engage my colleagues, share ideas, and agree on how best to improve the welfare of our people,” Uzodinma said.
He emphasized that his visit to Governor Otti was primarily to extend New Year greetings and acknowledge his governance efforts. “I am here to wish him a happy New Year, to pray that God grants us wisdom to serve our people better,” he added.
Speaking on political interpretations of the visit, Uzodinma noted that interactions between elected officials naturally attract political readings.
He dismissed suggestions that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, could weaken President Tinubu’s chances in 2027, describing Tinubu as a national political figure whose policies in economic reform, security, social intervention have earned broad support.
“The South-East is an integral part of Nigeria, we are committed to a united, progressive country,” Uzodinma said, noting that the region intends to move away from divisive politics and embrace a broader national outlook.
He also urged the media to report political developments accurately, stressing that political sensitivities in the region require responsible communication.
Governor Otti described Uzodinma’s visit as a brotherly engagement, rather than political, highlighting the importance of cooperation among different tiers of government, irrespective of party affiliations.
“Government is one. You cannot be in opposition to a system you are part of,” Otti said, urging that disagreements be addressed through proper channels, collective decisions respected.
Otti thanked Uzodinma for the visit, prayed for continued peace and development in Imo State and the South-East, noting, “We are first Nigerians before party affiliations. Our shared history, common future should continue to guide our actions.”
