A new platform, the South-East Former Governors Forum, has been unveiled, bringing together past governors and experienced political leaders from the region to support regional development and national progress.

Among those present at the unveiling held in Enugu on Tuesday was the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who joined other former governors to formally launch the forum.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Works, Francis Nwaze, said membership of the forum is open to all former governors from the South-East, irrespective of political party affiliation.

Speaking after the forum’s maiden meeting, Umahi explained that the body was created to provide advisory support to serving governors in the region on key developmental and national issues.

“You may have been wondering what was going on. What has happened is the birth of a forum of former South-East governors today, April 7, 2026. Some former governors are currently outside the country for medical check-ups and other engagements, but at our next meeting, we are confident that over 90 per cent of former governors from the South-East will be in attendance.

“The forum is meant to work hand-in-hand with serving governors. The body will support the presiding governors of the South-East and advise them on key zonal and national matters. The forum is open to all former governors from the South-East, irrespective of party affiliation,” he said.

Umahi also commended incumbent governors in the region for their developmental efforts.

“We commend the work being done by the governors of the South-East for the benefit of our people,” he said.

The forum further praised President Bola Tinubu for ongoing infrastructure development across the country, particularly in the South-East.

“We commend Mr President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for key appointments given to sons and daughters of the South-East and for the infrastructural development taking place in the region, as well as in other parts of the country.

“We also appreciate the support extended by the President to the governors of the South-East,” Umahi stated.

He added that more former governors are expected to join the forum in the coming weeks as efforts continue to strengthen collaboration across the region.

According to him, the platform will engage with serving governors to promote cooperation, unity, and strategic development initiatives in the South-East.

Members of the forum also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah.

Dignitaries present at the meeting included former Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime; former Governor of Ebonyi State, Martin Elechi; former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; and former Governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige, among others.