Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinma, on Friday, the 2nd of January, 2026, paid a visit to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation on regional development in the South-East.
Uzodinma was accompanied by a former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, during the visit. He explained that governors from the five South-East states are actively exchanging ideas aimed at improving the welfare and survival of people in the zone.
The Imo governor stressed that meaningful development of the region would be difficult to achieve without unity and a shared vision among the governors of the South-East.
He rejected claims that the visit was linked to political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing it instead as a New Year courtesy visit. Uzodinma commended Governor Otti’s performance in office, noting that his administration was making progress in governance.
“We in the South East, we are determined to develop the region. And the only way we can do this is through collaboration.
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“And as the Chairman of the South East Governor’s 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.
“The five of us, Governors of the South East, have decided to make sure that the South East is part of Nigeria. And that is what we are working on”, Gov. Uzodinma assured.
In his response, Governor Alex Otti expressed appreciation for the visit and aligned with Uzodinma’s position, stating that the engagement was not driven by politics. He added that being members of different political parties should not be misinterpreted as hostility or opposition.