By Eze Victor
Governors and prominent political leaders from Nigeria’s Southeast have reaffirmed their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, as the Grassroots Advocacy for Tinubu (GAT) formally inaugurated its Southeast zonal structure in Ebonyi State.
The inauguration and award ceremony, held at Remeritona Hotel and Suites, Abakaliki, drew senior government officials, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as women and youth groups from across the Southeast geopolitical zone.
Speaking at the event, the Board Chairperson of GAT and wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mrs Hanmo Akume, described the inauguration as a strategic move aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation in the Southeast ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She commended the governors of Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu States for their support and participation, noting that their involvement underscored the zone’s commitment to national inclusion, unity and development.
According to her, GAT’s expansion into the Southeast is not merely symbolic but focused on building sustainable political structures at the state, local government and ward levels to deepen democratic participation and consolidate support for the Tinubu administration.
Representing Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, the State Chairman of the APC, Stanley Emegha, declared Ebonyi a stronghold of the ruling party, stressing that the APC currently controls all elective positions in the state.
He attributed the party’s dominance to the performance of Governor Nwifuru and assured that Ebonyi State would deliver overwhelming support for President Tinubu in 2027. Emegha added that opposition parties in the state had largely collapsed into the APC and said mobilisation efforts would extend beyond the Southeast to support the President nationwide.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, represented by the Imo State NYO Coordinator, Emmanuel Chukwudi, said the APC remained the dominant political force in Imo State and across the Southeast.
He cited the cordial relationship between the federal and state governments as evidence of effective governance and urged party members to remain confident and united ahead of the next general election.
According to him, the achievements of President Tinubu and the Imo State Government had boosted public confidence in the APC, leaving little space for opposition in the state.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, also reaffirmed Enugu State’s commitment to the Tinubu 2027 project.
She praised the grassroots approach of GAT and emphasised the critical role of women in political mobilisation, declaring that there was “no vacancy” in Aso Rock and the Enugu Government House in 2027.
She assured the newly inaugurated GAT executives of the full backing of the Enugu State Government.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Lazarus Ogbee, commended Governor Nwifuru for restoring peace and security in Ebonyi State, describing the state as one of the safest in the country.
He said the improved security situation had accelerated development and made Ebonyi suitable for hosting major national political engagements.
The National Coordinator of GAT, Prof. Ochugudu Achoda Ipuele, said the group was established to promote the achievements and vision of President Tinubu through effective grassroots engagement.
He highlighted key reforms of the administration, including the establishment of regional development commissions, the student loan scheme and improved fiscal capacity of states, which he said had enhanced salary payments and service delivery nationwide.
Ipuele urged Nigerians to support the continuity of the Tinubu administration beyond 2027, stressing that sustained reforms were necessary to consolidate national unity and economic stability.
In his remarks, the Ebonyi State Coordinator of GAT, Barrister Patrick Anayo Mbam, popularly known as Omata, expressed appreciation over the successful inauguration and pledged to mobilise across all communities in the state to secure victory for President Tinubu, Governor Nwifuru and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Highlights of the event included the formal inauguration of the Southeast zonal executives of GAT and the presentation of awards of excellence to Governors Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State in recognition of their leadership and support for grassroots mobilisation.