Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, has said the five governors of the South-East have resolved to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections, citing what he described as the administration’s significant investments in infrastructure and economic development across the region.

Speaking during a meeting with the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers in Owerri, Uzodimma said the governors had assessed the Tinubu administration’s performance in the South-East and unanimously agreed to align with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the decision was based on visible federal interventions that have addressed long-standing developmental challenges in the region.

“We, the five governors of the South-East, have reviewed all options and decided that we will work with President Bola Tinubu because we want to be part of the Project Nigeria,” Uzodimma said.

He disclosed that the governors would soon pay a joint courtesy visit to President Tinubu to strengthen collaboration between the South-East and the Federal Government.

Cites Federal Projects in South-East. The governor highlighted several projects undertaken by the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), which he described as a historic achievement for the region.

Uzodimma noted that President Tinubu signed the South East Development Commission Act into law on July 24, 2024, inaugurated the commission’s governing board in February 2025 and ensured it commenced operations with funding.

He also commended the rehabilitation and reopening of the Port Harcourt–Aba rail line for commercial operations, describing it as a major step toward reconnecting the South-East to Nigeria’s railway network.

According to him, the Federal Government’s approval of the $3 billion reconstruction of the Eastern Rail Corridor—from Port Harcourt through the South-East to Maiduguri—will further enhance trade, mobility and regional integration.

On road infrastructure, Uzodimma praised ongoing work on the Phase 2A and 2B access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, including the dual carriageway linking Umunya, Ogbunike, Ogidi, Nkpor and Asaba, with seven bridges along the route.

He also referenced the approval of the 108-kilometre Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road and the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube/Okigwe Junction Road, saying the projects would improve connectivity among states in the South-East and neighbouring regions.

The governor further argued that the South-East had benefited from broader national policies of the Tinubu administration, including increased allocations to states, student loan initiatives, enhanced security measures and fiscal reforms aimed at improving the business environment.

“The South-East has decided. Our people judge governments by performance and not by political sentiments. The evidence is on the ground,” he stated.

Defends Imo Charter of Equity. Turning to state affairs, Uzodimma urged members of the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers to continue supporting the implementation of the state's Charter of Equity, describing it as essential for lasting peace, justice and political stability.

He recalled that upon assuming office in 2020, his administration inherited a politically divided state and initiated reforms to restore stability, strengthen public trust and promote inclusive governance.

According to the governor, the Charter of Equity, which has been enacted into law by the Imo State House of Assembly, institutionalises fairness in the rotation of political power and guarantees every part of the state a sense of belonging.

“The Charter of Equity is real, and I need your mandate to implement it because that is what will bring lasting peace to Imo State,” he said.

Uzodimma maintained that his successor must emerge in line with the Charter of Equity and possess the integrity, fairness and leadership qualities required to sustain the achievements of his administration.

He warned against attempts to undermine the law for political advantage, vowing to defend it.

“I will take the fight personally to protect the Charter of Equity. I will stop at nothing,” the governor declared.

Calls for Youth Skills Development.

The governor also advocated increased investment in vocational training and skills acquisition programmes, saying equipping young people with practical skills remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing unemployment, curbing crime and promoting sustainable economic growth in Imo State.

He urged traditional rulers to continue partnering with government in maintaining peace, supporting development initiatives and ensuring lasting stability across the state.