A prominent estate developer and politician, Alex Chukwuemeka Obiechina, has criticised the composition of the proposed “Forum of Former South East Governors,” citing the exclusion of key figures such as Jim Nwobodo, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Peter Obi.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Obiechina described the initiative as misleading and unrepresentative, warning Nigerians against what he termed a deceptive political move ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He alleged that some figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are fuelling confusion in the South East in a bid to position themselves as key players in the re-election campaign of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the purported forum is the project of a single individual and does not reflect the collective will of former governors from the region.

“When you talk about credible leaders of the South East, particularly those who made lasting impacts, you must mention Nwobodo, Nwodo, and Obi,” he said.

Obiechina described a recent gathering in Enugu as a factional meeting of APC members opposed to the leadership of Hope Uzodimma, who currently chairs both the Progressives Governors’ Forum and the South East Governors’ Forum.
He further alleged that David Umahi may be attempting to retain political influence despite no longer being a sitting governor.

Questioning the legitimacy of the forum, Obiechina argued that no such body could be credible without proper consultation and the involvement of both former and incumbent governors across the five South East states.

On the broader political landscape, he reiterated the region’s aspiration to produce Nigeria’s president in 2027, noting that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have fallen short of expectations in addressing the zone’s concerns.

He also called on the judiciary and electoral stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, stressing the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.

Citing former President Goodluck Jonathan, he urged politicians to place national interest above personal ambition.
“No ambition is worth the blood of Nigerians. We must protect our democracy,” he said.

If you want, I can also provide punchier headline options or a shorter version for print/online.