South-East governors back Tinubu for 2027 at Enugu women's rally
- Governors of Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo urged South-East voters to support President Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
- They spoke at an APC women's rally and empowerment programme at Okpara Square, Enugu, flagged off by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
- The governors said federal reforms have brought more money to states for roads, healthcare and salaries.
Four South-East governors have asked voters in the region to back President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027, saying his economic reforms are already paying off for states.
The governors of Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Mega Rally and Empowerment Programme for the South-East, held at Okpara Square in Enugu. The event was flagged off by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, according to Arise News.
The host governor, Peter Mbah of Enugu, said the reforms had freed up money for states to build projects. He pointed to Enugu's Smart Green Schools and primary healthcare centres as examples, and asked residents to come out with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) on January 16.
"A good sailor does not abandon his ship mid-sea because of challenges," Mbah said.
He also said the 2027 vote would test how well the Igbo can build political ties outside the South-East, insisting the region is strategic rather than insular.
What the other governors said
Imo's Hope Uzodimma said the region was finally seeing more inclusion after decades of feeling sidelined, and listed road, power, health and education improvements as reasons to keep the APC in power.
"A winning team must not be changed," Uzodimma said.
He said improved state revenues had let Imo pay salaries and pensions on time, including 13th-month pay, and named the Okigwe–Owerri, Umuahia–Owerri, Orlu–Owerri and Owerri–Port Harcourt roads as projects under way.
Ebonyi's Francis Nwifuru called the APC the only party with a clear manifesto, and denied claims that he had joined any political coalition, saying his loyalty stays with the APC.
Anambra's Charles Soludo, represented by his deputy, Gilbert Ibezim, said the region would gain more from working closely with the Federal Government.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu said the South-East has not produced a Nigerian president in 60 years, and urged the region to build alliances across the country. He praised the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The First Lady, who delivered the President's greetings, told the crowd the worst of the economic pain was over. She compared the reforms to childbirth: painful, but ending in new life.
"The worst is over. We are stepping into prosperity," she said.
The rally also featured an empowerment programme for 5,000 women across the region. Mbah said a similar Enugu scheme had reached more than 2,000 women within 48 hours, with cash, help with hospital bills and equipment for small businesses.
What happens next
The women's mobilisation drive is expected to move to the other five geopolitical zones. The governors urged supporters to vote for Tinubu and APC candidates on January 16 and in the polls that follow.
