The South-South Governors' Forum, comprising the six governors of Nigeria's South-South region, has formally declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections. The declaration was made on Thursday during a summit in Calabar, Cross River State, where the governors also outlined key development demands for the region.
Governors Unite Behind Tinubu
Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, who chairs the Forum, read the communiqué at the close of the summit, affirming the governors' collective backing for Tinubu. The endorsement was described as a commitment to their party's direction, signaling a unified stance from the region's leadership.
The meeting was hosted by Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu, with Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno also in attendance. Delta, Edo, and Rivers states were represented by their deputies: Sir Monday Onyeme, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, respectively. The summit also included delegations led by Amb. Joe Keshi of the BRACED Commission and Amb. Boladei Igali of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
Key Demands: Infrastructure and Environmental Remediation
Discussions at the summit centered on the economic development of the South-South region and strengthening regional cooperation. Among the resolutions, the governors agreed to request a meeting with President Tinubu to press for action on infrastructure development and environmental remediation across the region.
The Forum specifically called for intervention beyond the ongoing clean-up of Ogoniland in Rivers State, signaling a desire for a broader federal commitment to addressing environmental damage in other parts of the South-South. This demand highlights the governors' focus on tackling long-standing ecological challenges while seeking improved infrastructure.
Quarterly Meetings and Next Steps
The governors also resolved to hold quarterly meetings, with the next gathering scheduled for November 6 to 8, 2026, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This decision aims to ensure regular dialogue and follow-up on regional issues.
The communiqué commended Governor Bassey Otu and the people of Cross River State for their hospitality throughout the summit. The governors' endorsement and demands are expected to shape their engagement with the federal government as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
