Political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election gathered fresh momentum on Tuesday after five South-East governors declared their support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, while Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara also aligned himself with a regional coalition backing the administration.
The announcement was made by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, during a meeting with the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers in Owerri. According to Uzodimma, the governors reached a unanimous decision after assessing the Federal Government’s performance 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 Project Nigeria,” Uzodimma said. He added that the governors would soon pay a joint visit to the President to further strengthen their partnership with the Federal Government.
Uzodimma attributed the decision to projects such as the South East Development Commission, ongoing infrastructure initiatives and other federal interventions, arguing that the region stands to benefit from continued collaboration with the Tinubu administration.
In a related development, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara publicly declared his support for the Rivers Rainbow Coalition, a political movement comprising members of different parties and led by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. During the coalition’s unveiling, Fubara also pledged support for President Tinubu, describing the alliance as a platform for unity and political stability in Rivers State.
The twin developments have intensified discussions about the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. While supporters view the endorsements as evidence of growing confidence in the Tinubu administration, critics argue that electoral alliances remain fluid and that political calculations could still change before campaigns officially begin.
With influential governors across different political parties openly backing the President, attention is now turning to whether more regional leaders and political blocs will follow suit as preparations for the 2027 polls continue.
