LR: Chief Martin Elechi, Dr. Chris Ngige, Senator David Umahi, Governor Peter Mbah, Barrister Sullivan Chime, Ambassador Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Dr Okezie Ikpeazu during the courtesy visit. Photo Credit… Tony Adibe
By Tony Adibe
In what seemed like a historic political move said to be for regional growth and unity, former governors of Nigeria’s SouthEast geopolitical zone formally inaugurated the South East Forum of Former Governors, SEFFG, on Tuesday in Enugu, capital of Enugu State.
NewBbits reports that the former governors, who attended the maiden meeting of the Forum, included Senator David Umahi and Chief Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State, respectively; Barrister Sullivan Chime and Ambassador Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, both of Enugu State; Dr Chris Ngige of Anambra State, and Dr Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
But some other former governors in the zone were conspicuously absent from the meeting. Senators Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu State) Dr. Sam Egwu (Ebonyi State), and Orji Uzor Kalu, alongside T.A. Orji (Abia State); Chiefs Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim (Imo State); Willie Obiano, as well as Peter Obi (Anambra State), and Andy Ubah were absent.
Commenting on the reason some former governors were not present at the meeting, the former Governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who spoke on behalf of the Forum, said that several members, including former governors Ikedi Ohakim, Theodore Orji, and Chimaroke Nnamani, were currently abroad for medical checkups or tied down by prior official engagements.
The explanations, however, were not confirmed by NewsBits at the time of filing the report. Regardless of the obvious absence of their colleagues, the Forum said it was hopeful that those who were absent would participate actively in future meetings. Senator Umahi assured that over 90% of former South East governors are expected to attend the next scheduled meeting in two weeks.
He said, “The South East Forum of Former Governors is formed today to support our presiding governors and advise them on key zonal and national matters. The Forum, which held its first meeting in Enugu on Tuesday, 6 April 2026, said it was founded with the objective to chiefly provide a robust support system and advisory role for the current presiding governors across the five states of the zone on critical regional and national issues.
Announcing the communique after hours of a closed-door meeting, Senator David Umahi explained that the body is a non-partisan platform designed to foster synergy between past and present leadership within the southeast. According to Umahi, membership was open to all former governors of the region, regardless of their current political party affiliations.
The Forum praised the performance of the current five governors of the South East, commending specifically their dedication to the welfare of the people and the visible progress recorded in their respective states. The Forum also lauded President Bola Tinubu for what they described as an “infrastructure revolution” currently sweeping through the South East and other parts of the country.
The former governors said that they were grateful to President Tinubu for the strategic appointments of South East indigenes into key positions. They said that such appointments have fostered a sense of inclusion within the national framework. The Forum also acknowledged the financial and administrative assistance provided by the Presidency to the state governors, which they credited for the high level of achievements recorded in infrastructure, empowerment, and security.
In a definitive political statement, the Forum announced its total support for the President’s second-term ambition. Senator Umahi announced, We boldly say that all the former governors of the South East are supporting Mr. President’s re-election; this is a product of strategic thinking.”
He said that the Forum’s primary goal is to “synergize” with the current administration and help educate the populace on the “great work” being executed by the incumbent governors across the zone. The Forum, however, pleaded for regional unity, marking the first time in recent history that such a diverse group of former South East political leaders came into a single, functional advisory body.
The Forum later paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, at the Government House, Enugu, before traveling back to their various home states.
