TDThe newly launched South East Forum of Former Governors has been met with ridicule and skepticism after only a handful of ex-governors attended its inaugural meeting on April 7, 2026.
Out of an estimated 20 former governors from the region, just six were present, mainly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving others absent.
Notable former governors conspicuously absent at the event include:
- Mr. Peter Obi — Anambra State
- Chief Rochas Okorocha — Imo State
- Chief Orji Uzor Kalu — Abia State
- Chief Willie Obiano — Anambra State
- Chief Theodore Orji — Abia State, to mention but few.
The forum, announced as a non-partisan body to advise and support current governors of the South East, was expected to showcase unity and collective strength.
Instead, the low turnout has raised questions about its credibility and relevance.
Watch the video footage of the event below:
Scanty Attendance Despite Claim of Broad Representation
Organizers explained that many of the absent governors were outside the country for medical check-ups or other engagements, promising that “over 90%” would attend the next meeting in two weeks.
However, critics argue that the poor attendance undermines the forum’s claim of broad representation.
The communique issued after the meeting praised current governors for their infrastructural and security efforts.
It expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointments and projects in the region.
It also pledged support for the president’s re-election bid, describing it as “strategic thinking.”
Despite these declarations, the optics of the event have drawn ridicule from political observers and citizens alike.
Many see the absence of the majority of former governors as evidence of disunity and lack of seriousness.
Analysts warn that unless the forum can secure stronger participation and demonstrate independence from partisan politics, it risks being dismissed as an appendage of Tinubu’s campaign structure.
For now, the South East Forum of Former Governors faces an uphill battle to prove its relevance.
Currently, the ridicule over its inaugural meeting continues to overshadow its stated mission of supporting governance and regional development.
Purpose of the New Former South East Governors Forum
The forum of former governors from South East region claims that is a non-partisan body aimed at supporting current governors and strengthening regional political coordination ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The forum was inaugurated on April 7, 2026, with a communique issued after deliberations.
The statement emphasized that the body is open to all former governors of the South East, regardless of party affiliation, and will serve as an advisory platform on key zonal and national matters.
According to the communique, the forum’s primary role is to provide guidance and support to sitting governors in the region.
Members pledged to synergize with current leaders, identify areas where they can contribute, and help educate citizens on the developmental strides being made in the South East.
The communique noted:
“The body is to support our presiding Governors of Southeast and advise them on key zonal and national matters.
“The forum shall be for all former Governors, irrespective of party affiliation, so far they have been Governor in Southeast.”
Commendations and Presidential Support
The former governors commended the current South East governors for their commitment to infrastructural development, empowerment, and security.
They also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointments given to sons and daughters of the region, as well as for the infrastructural projects being executed in the South East.
The communique further stated:
“We commend Mr. President very highly for all the appointments, some of them very key, that he has given to sons and daughters of Southeast, and for infrastructural revolution in Southeast, just like what he is doing in other regions of the country”
The forum further acknowledged federal assistance to governors nationwide.
It noted that such support has enabled South East governors to achieve significant progress during their tenures.
Political Implications
In a bold declaration, the communique affirmed that “all the Governors of Southeast are supporting Mr. President’s re-election.”
The forum described this as a strategic move, pledging continued backing for the current governors and the president.
By presenting a united front, the body could play a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes and policy priorities.
The forum placed much emphasis on unity across party lines and support for both regional and national leadership.
Observers say it could become a powerful voice in shaping the political and developmental trajectory of the South East in the years ahead.
Analysts, however, say the creation of the forum signals a coordinated effort by former Governor David Umahi and his cohorts to influence political direction in favour of President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Next Steps
The forum announced plans to hold another meeting within two weeks, with expectations that over 90 percent of former governors from the region will be in attendance.
It also revealed intentions to pay a courtesy call to the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and other sitting governors to brief them on the objectives of the new body.
“This is for support. Nobody is taking shine off the leaders.
“All the Governors are not here, but in the next meeting, over 90% of the Governors will be here.
“Irrespective of party, all will be allowed. It is a non-partisan organization,” the communique concluded.
The establishment of the South East Forum of Former Governors underscores the growing importance of regional political structures in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 elections, the forum is expected to serve as a bridge between past and present leadership, ensuring continuity, stability, and collective advocacy for the South East.
