2027 Presidency: Ex-Enugu Governor Sullivan Chime Endorses Tinubu, Says APC Is Best Political Platform for South East

Former Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Sullivan Chime, has publicly thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the most viable political option for the South East region. Chime’s endorsement aligns with the recent decision by South East APC governors, leaders, and stakeholders who unanimously adopted President Tinubu as their preferred presidential candidate for a second term.

Speaking on Tuesday in Udi during the flag-off of the APC electronic membership re-registration exercise in Enugu West Senatorial District, the former governor said he was fully part of the endorsement process from the beginning and had no reservations about the decision. According to him, the move reflects political reality and the growing acceptance of the APC across the South East.

“I am part of the South East, so you can take it for granted that I was part of that endorsement. That is our decision, and we all stand by it. It is easily achievable,” Chime stated. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu and the APC would perform strongly in the region during the 2027 elections, adding that opposition voices would eventually come to terms with what he described as the political direction of the zone.

Chime defended the performance of the Tinubu administration, arguing that many of the economic and social challenges currently facing Nigeria are not unique to the country. He noted that similar pressures are being experienced globally and across Africa, insisting that the President is doing well under difficult circumstances. “Whatever is happening in Nigeria is global. It is all over Africa and beyond. Given the circumstances, the President has done well,” he said.

While declining to go into detailed campaign discussions, the former governor hinted that more political engagement would follow as the election season draws closer. “Elections are coming up next year. He will do well. When the time for campaign comes, we will talk,” he added.

Reflecting on political developments in Enugu State, Chime expressed satisfaction with the growing enthusiasm for the APC, particularly the high turnout witnessed during the e-registration exercise. He said the excitement among party members and new entrants validated his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shortly after the 2015 elections. According to him, his move to the APC was based on foresight and a clear understanding of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

“Ten years ago, when I joined the APC, we saw tomorrow. We knew PDP was going down. Today, it is obvious to everyone that APC is the only viable party,” Chime declared. He added that the APC leadership in Enugu State was determined to surpass the two-million membership target set for the state, describing the benchmark as modest and achievable.

He further stated that the APC had effectively become the dominant political force in Enugu State, noting that those who were still skeptical would eventually have no choice but to align with the party. “APC is now the only party available in Enugu State. Those who are still skeptical have no choice. APC is the way to go,” he concluded.

At the event, several local government chairmen, including Hon. Hyginus Agu of Udi, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku of Aninri, Hon. Uchenna Okoko of Awgu, Dr. Vita Ndu of Ezeagu, and Hon. Greg Anyaegbudike of Oji River, pledged to mobilise aggressively at the grassroots level to expand the party’s membership base. They expressed confidence that their collective efforts would push APC membership in the state well beyond two million.

Hon. Agu, speaking on behalf of the local government leaders, attributed the rising popularity of the APC to the performance of Governor Peter Mbah, describing him as the central political figure in the state. “The people are happy. As far as they are concerned, Governor Mbah is their political party. He has chosen APC, and the people stand solidly with him and our dear President,” Agu said.

It will be recalled that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, alongside Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, recently joined other APC stakeholders in the South East to formally adopt President Tinubu as the region’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The endorsement has since sparked widespread debate, drawing both support and criticism, but it has undeniably reshaped political conversations across the South East.