Governors of four South-East states have urged residents of the region to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election.
The governors made the appeal on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Mega Rally and Empowerment Programme in Enugu.
Those involved were Charles Soludo of Anambra, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Peter Mbah of Enugu and Hope Uzodimma of Imo. Soludo was represented by his deputy, Gilbert Ibezim.
They urged the people to ignore political distractions and support Tinubu for another term.
Mbah Highlights Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Speaking at the rally, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah urged residents to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
He said another term would allow the President to consolidate his administration’s economic reforms.
Mbah linked ongoing development projects, including primary healthcare centres, to the Federal Government’s reforms.
He also encouraged women to vote for Tinubu and APC candidates in the January 16, 2027 election.
“A good sailor does not abandon his ship mid-sea because of challenges. We must finish the journey we all started together,” Mbah said.
The governor also highlighted the rally’s empowerment programme for 5,000 women across the South-East.
According to him, more than 2,000 women in Enugu had received support within 48 hours.
The beneficiaries reportedly received cash assistance, hospital bill support and tools for income generation.
Uzodimma Says Igbos Are Experiencing Political Inclusion
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma described the rally as historic.
He commended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for supporting women across the South-East.
Uzodimma also urged the region to support the President’s re-election bid.
He argued that the Igbo had experienced marginalisation for over 60 years. However, he said the Tinubu administration was creating opportunities for greater political inclusion and development.
“We are now seeing good roads, electricity, health reforms as well as educational reforms in the country. A winning team must not be changed,” he said.
The governor also credited Federal Government reforms with increasing the funds available to states.
He cited road projects linking Okigwe, Owerri, Umuahia, Orlu and Port Harcourt.
Uzodimma added that the improved financial position had helped Imo maintain regular salary and pension payments.
Nwifuru Calls For Support For APC Candidates
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru also urged South-East residents to support APC candidates.
He praised the party’s skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.
Nwifuru described the APC as a party with a clear development agenda. He also dismissed suggestions that he was involved in any political coalition.
The governor reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and called for support for its candidates in the 2027 elections.
Soludo, Benjamin Kalu Back Tinubu’s Re-election
Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, represented by his deputy, Gilbert Ibezim, also expressed support for Tinubu’s second term.
Ibezim said the South-East should appreciate the administration’s achievements. He added that continued cooperation with the Federal Government could benefit the region.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu urged the Igbo to embrace greater political inclusion.
Kalu argued that the region needed stronger political alliances to improve its chances of producing a Nigerian president.
He recalled Tinubu’s relationship with the Igbo during his tenure as Lagos State governor.
Kalu also praised the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), describing it as an important step towards addressing the region’s challenges.
