In a significant move underscoring regional solidarity, the Chairman of the South East Governors' Forum, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, paid an official New Year visit to his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Alex Otti, on January 2, 2026. The visit highlighted a collective resolve among the five governors of Nigeria's Southeast geopolitical zone to accelerate development and ensure the region's full integration into the national fabric.
A Visit Beyond Political Affiliations
Governor Uzodimma, who leads the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo, was warmly received by Governor Otti of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia. This meeting, described by both leaders as apolitical in its core mission, brought together figures from different political spectrums. The other Southeast governors are Prof. Charles Soludo (APGA, Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (APC, Ebonyi), and Dr. Peter Mba (APC, Enugu).
Accompanied by his wife, Chioma, former governor Ikedi Ohakim, Chief of Staff Nnamdi Anyaehie, and other officials, Uzodimma emphasized that the purpose was to strengthen collaborative governance. "My visit is a courtesy call to the Governor, who I have also seen is doing very well," Uzodimma stated. He extended New Year wishes and prayers for divine strength to better serve their people.
The Unified Agenda for Southeast Development
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Governor Uzodimma, who also serves as the Director General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, laid out a clear vision. The five governors have unanimously decided to ensure the Southeast is an integral and developed part of Nigeria. He stressed that collaboration is the only viable path to achieving this goal.
"As the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, I have a responsibility to touch base with them, to discuss with them, share ideas, and agree on how best to help the people of the region to survive," Uzodimma explained. He commended Otti for delivering democratic dividends to Abia people, which motivated the solidarity visit.
Politics in the Context of Governance
While both leaders affirmed the visit's focus was on development, they acknowledged discussing politics, given their backgrounds. Governor Otti clarified the nuanced relationship between party politics and governance. "This is not necessarily a political visit, but because we are all politicians, there is no way we can’t discuss politics," Otti said.
He made a critical distinction: "You can’t be opposition in a government that you are part of." Otti argued that differing political parties should not be misconstrued as opposition at the sub-national level, where the primary duty is service delivery. He emphasized that while disagreements can occur, once decisions are made, all stakeholders are part of them.
Governor Uzodimma encouraged Otti to sustain his developmental momentum in Abia and strive for greater heights. In response, Otti expressed profound gratitude for the visit, seeing it as a positive step for collective regional progress. He reiterated that Abia is an inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and welcomed the spirit of cooperation.
The meeting, also attended by Abia's Chief of Staff, Dr. Caleb Ajagba, and state cabinet members, signals a new chapter of deliberate partnership among Southeast leaders, transcending party lines for the economic and infrastructural advancement of the region.
