Former governors from the South-East geopolitical zone have launched a new forum to support and advise serving governors on critical regional and national issues.
The development was announced on Tuesday following the forum’s inaugural meeting, where a communiqué was read by former Ebonyi State governor and current Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Other former governors in attendance included Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Chris Ngige (Anambra), and Martin Elechi (Ebonyi).
Umahi said the South-East Forum of Former Governors would act as a unifying body for all past leaders of the zone, regardless of political affiliation, with a mandate to guide governance in the region.
“The South-East Forum of former governors is formed today, 7th of April 2026. The body is to support our presiding governors of the South-East and advise them on key zonal and national matters,” he said.
He added that although some former governors were absent due to health or travel commitments, broader participation is expected at the next meeting.
“The forum shall be for all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, as long as they have served as governors in the South-East,” Umahi explained.
The forum also praised current governors for their efforts in infrastructure, empowerment programs, and security initiatives across the zone.
“We commend the great works that our governors of the South-East are doing for the benefit of our people, especially in infrastructure development, empowerment, and security,” he said.
In addition, the group expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lauding his administration for key appointments from the South-East and for advancing regional infrastructure.
“We commend the president very highly for all the appointments, some very key, that he has given to sons and daughters of the South-East, and for the infrastructure revolution in the South-East, just like what he is doing in other regions,” Umahi stated.
He revealed that former and current governors in the region are aligned in supporting Tinubu’s second-term bid.
“We boldly say that all the governors of the South-East are supporting the president’s re-election, and we are very grateful for them because this is strategic thinking and a strategic approach,” Umahi said.
The forum also acknowledged federal support to state governments as a key factor in regional development.
“We also thank the president for the assistance to the governors of the South-East, which has helped them greatly in achieving the milestones they have recorded,” he added.
Umahi said the forum plans to engage directly with serving governors to strengthen collaboration and align efforts for the region’s development.
“That’s just to synergize with them and see areas we can support, and of course, help them educate our people on the great work they are doing,” he concluded.
