Obi, Ohakim, Nnamani Absent as Former South-east Governors Form New Forum

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Former governors of South-east states, yesterday, established a forum aimed at supporting and advising serving governors on key zonal and national issues.

The new body, known as South-East Forum of Former Governors, was inaugurated at a meeting attended by prominent political figures from the zone.

They included former Enugu State governors, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Sullivan Chime; former Anambra State Governor, Chris Ngige; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; and former Ebonyi State governors, Dave Umahi and Martin Elechi.

However, absent were former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, and former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani.

Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting, Umahi explained that the absence of some members was due to medical trips abroad. But he expressed optimism that future meetings would record broader participation.

He said the forum was open to all former governors of the South-east, irrespective of political affiliation.

Umahi stated, “The South-East Forum of Former Governors was formed today, April 7, 2026. The body is to support our serving governors and advise them on key zonal and national matters.”

He added that the group would serve as a unifying platform to strengthen collaboration across party lines while contributing to governance and development in the zone.  The former governors also commended the current South-east governors for what they described as their strides in infrastructure development, security, and empowerment.

They expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for federal appointments given to indigenes of the zone and for ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.

Umahi stated that the forum aligned with the position of serving South-east governors in supporting the president’s re-election, describing the move as “strategic”.

The works minister said the next meeting would be held within two weeks, adding that the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, is expected to  brief the chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum ahead of a wider engagement with all governors in the zone.