South-South Governors Back Tinubu for 2027, Push Regional Economic Integration
CALABAR — South-South governors have declared their readiness to transform the region into one of Nigeria’s strongest economic blocs, while pledging their full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The declaration was made at the second meeting of the South-South Governors’ Forum (SSGF), held in Calabar, Cross River State, under the chairmanship of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
The governors said the region could no longer afford fragmented development, stressing the need to move beyond meetings and resolutions to concrete projects capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and improving living standards.
Diri said the South-South had the potential to become Nigeria’s gas-industrial hub, West Africa’s maritime gateway and a leading blue-economy zone.
He called for faster development of road, rail, air and maritime infrastructure, while also drawing attention to the environmental challenges confronting communities across the Niger Delta.
Rail, ports top regional development agenda
The governors identified regional rail development as one of their immediate priorities, alongside the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri seaports.
They also highlighted the economic opportunities presented by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing improved connectivity as essential to unlocking the region’s industrial and commercial potential.
Cross River State Governor and Vice Chairman of the Forum, Senator Bassey Otu, called for greater cooperation among the states, arguing that the region must develop a common economic framework rather than pursue isolated initiatives.
Otu proposed a regional corridor linking the Bakassi Deep Seaport in Calabar with the East-West Road and ports in Bayelsa and Delta.
He also advocated greater integration of the region’s agricultural economies through value addition, citing opportunities in cassava processing and ethanol production.
Governors seek stronger engagement with Tinubu
The governors resolved to engage President Tinubu directly on issues affecting the region, particularly infrastructure and environmental development.
They also backed efforts to establish a coordinated regional position on major economic issues and strengthen the South-South’s voice in dealings with the Federal Government.
The Forum further resolved to institutionalise its activities through quarterly meetings, with Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, scheduled to host the next meeting from November 6 to 8, 2026.
South-South backs Tinubu for 2027
Beyond the economic agenda, the governors made a significant political declaration, reaffirming their support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The Forum pledged what it described as “100 per cent” support for Tinubu from the South-South region.
The endorsement places the region among the growing blocs of political support around the President ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governors, however, emphasised that regional development must remain at the centre of their engagement with the Federal Government.
For the South-South, the emerging strategy is to combine political cooperation with shared infrastructure, industrialisation, maritime development and investment initiatives in an effort to turn the region’s oil, gas, agricultural and maritime resources into broader economic opportunities.
