South East
Ohanaeze Backs Southeast Ex-Governors, Declares Support for Tinubu Ahead of 2027
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared strong support for the newly formed Southeast Former Governors Forum, describing it as a strategic platform to drive development and deepen collaboration with the Federal Government.
In a statement issued on April 12, 2026, the group said the forum, led by Dave Umahi, represents a “bold and visionary initiative” aimed at accelerating infrastructure and economic growth in Nigeria’s Southeast region.
Ohanaeze noted that the initiative would provide critical support to serving governors in the region while fostering a productive partnership with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the group, such collaboration is essential to addressing long-standing developmental challenges, particularly in infrastructure, economic expansion, and sustainable growth.
Call for Expansion and Inclusivity
The organisation also called for the expansion of the forum to include former governors of Igbo extraction from Delta State and Rivers State, citing the significant Igbo-speaking populations in both states.
It argued that incorporating leaders from these areas would strengthen unity among Ndigbo and ensure broader representation of Igbo interests across Nigeria.
Dismisses Criticism
Ohanaeze dismissed criticisms of the forum’s formation, describing them as attempts by “external enemies” to create division among the Igbo people.
The group maintained that opposition to the initiative should not distract from its overarching goal of regional development and unity.
Push for Rebranding
In a notable recommendation, Ohanaeze suggested renaming the body from the Southeast Former Governors Forum to the “Igbo Former Governors Forum” to better reflect its inclusive vision and cultural identity.
Endorsement of Tinubu
The organisation also backed the reported endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in 2027 by the forum, describing it as a strategic move in the interest of the Southeast.
It stressed that the decision should be viewed beyond partisan politics, framing it instead as a pragmatic step toward securing federal support for regional development.
Key Political Figures Involved
Ohanaeze commended leaders who attended the forum’s inaugural meeting in Enugu, including Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chris Ngige, Sullivan Chime, and Martin Elechi.
It also urged other prominent figures—including Peter Obi, Rochas Okorocha, Orji Uzor Kalu, Willie Obiano, and Emeka Ihedioha—to participate in future engagements regardless of political affiliations.
Commitment to Southeast Development
Ohanaeze reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that address what it described as the historical neglect of the Southeast, emphasizing the need for unity, strategic partnerships, and sustained engagement with the Federal Government.
The statement was signed by Deputy President-General Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesman Thompson Ohia.
READ FULL STATEMENT
OHANAEZE NDIGBO PRESS RELEASE
OHANAEZE NDIGBO BACKS SOUTHEAST FORMER GOVERNORS FORUM’S SUPPORT FOR TINUBU – “A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO UNLOCK SOUTHEAST’S DEVELOPMENT” CALLS FOR THE INCLUSION OF DELTA AND RIVERS FORMER GOVERNORS OF IGBO EXTRACTION*
Date: 12th April 2027
The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, hereby issues a resounding and unequivocal statement in support of the newly formed Forum of Southeast Former Governors, under the leadership of Senator Nweze David Umahi. Concurrently, we earnestly urge this new group to broaden its membership scope to embrace former Igbo governors hailing from Delta and Rivers States.
The Southeast Former Governors Forum, a non – partisan entity dedicated solely to the promotion of infrastructural development and economic advancement within the Southeast region, is a beacon of hope and a welcome development for all Igbos, both at home and abroad. Its core aim of providing tactical support to the current Southeast presiding governors is a strategic masterstroke. This initiative is designed to foster a harmonious and mutually beneficial partnership between the Southeast Region and the Federal Government. Such a partnership is crucial, as it promises to provide well – thought – out solutions to the numerous regional challenges and problems that have long plagued Ndigbo and the Southeast Region, particularly in the realms of infrastructural development and economic upliftment.
Some opposing views have emerged on the social media space regarding the establishment of this organization. Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly dismisses these as the handiwork of external enemies of Ndigbo, who are exploiting willing tools and faceless Igbo groups to create chaos. It is well – understood that in any democratic society and sane political landscape, misconceptions about new initiatives are inevitable. However, the overarching and larger Igbo interest remains at the heart of this matter. The survival and development of the Southeast region are paramount. Ndigbo, in fact, wholeheartedly support any genuine governmental efforts aimed at rebuilding the long – neglected Southeast Infrastructural Development. Since the end of the Biafra War in 1970-Ndigbo have suffered long – standing grievances; it is time to bring succor to these age – old concerns. We must reinforce our partnership with the current Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Southeast Former Governors Forum in collaboration with the Southeast Presiding Governors. This is the surest way to guarantee and achieve our collective Igbo interests.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo wishes to remind the newly formed Southeast Former Governors Forum that our organization recognizes seven Igbo – speaking States, inclusive of Anioma in Delta and Ikwerre in Rivers States. Former Igbo governors from Delta and Rivers States should be actively encouraged to partake in the forum’s activities. To accommodate these governors, a change in the forum’s nomenclature from Southeast Former Governors Forum to Igbo Former Governors Forum is highly advisable. This change would align the forum more comprehensively with its true purpose of representing and serving the entire Igbo populace.
We extend our vote of confidence to the members who graced the Enugu inaugural ceremony and meeting. Senator Dave Umahi, Ambassador Okezie Ikpeazu, Ambassador Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Dr Chris Ngige, Barr Sullivan Chime, and Chief Martin Elechi are outstanding leaders and a source of pride for the Igbo Nation. We earnestly call upon other absentee members, including Senator Rochas Okorocha, Mr Peter Obi, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, Dr Sam Egwu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Chief Willie Obiano, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Chief Achike Udenwa, Dr Okwesirieze Nwodo, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, the only Igbo female governor Mrs V Etiaba, and our revered leader and statesman Senator Jim Nwobodo. Regardless of their political affiliations, they should actively participate in the upcoming meetings. Their collective wisdom and experience are invaluable assets for the progress of the Igbo people and the Southeast region.
Finally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly believes that the Umahi – led Southeast Former Governors Forum’s endorsement of President Tinubu’s 2027 re – election bid is in the best interests of both the Southeast and Ndigbo. It is a strategic move that will further strengthen the partnership between the region and the Federal Government, leading to tangible development and prosperity for all.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Chief Thompson Ohia
National Spokesman
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
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