Former Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Sullivan Chime, has publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) the best and most viable political option for the South East ahead of the 2027 general election.
Chime aligned himself with last weekend’s adoption of President Tinubu by South East APC governors, leaders and stakeholders, insisting that the endorsement reflected the collective decision of the region and expressing confidence that the APC would record a decisive victory in 2027.
Speaking on Tuesday in Udi during the flag-off of the APC electronic membership registration exercise in Enugu West Senatorial District, the former governor said he was part of the endorsement “from the beginning” and had no doubt about Tinubu’s prospects in 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 said.
He maintained that President Tinubu’s performance justified the renewed confidence reposed in him by the region, arguing that Nigeria’s current challenges must be viewed within a global context.
“The President has done well. I believe he has done well. Whatever is happening in Nigeria is global and certainly in Africa. It is all over the place. He is doing well, given the circumstances,” he stated.
Chime added that he would speak more extensively on the 2027 elections in the coming months, noting that the campaign season was fast approaching.
“Elections are coming up next year. He will do well. When the time for campaign comes, we will talk,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction with the growing enthusiasm for the APC in the South East, particularly in Enugu State, Chime said his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the 2015 election had been vindicated.
According to him, the APC leadership in Enugu State is determined to exceed the two-million membership target set under the ongoing e-registration exercise by the governor and leader of the party in the state, Dr. Peter Mbah.
“We are here first of all to thank our people. You can see how excited people are to join the APC. APC is now the only party available in Enugu State,” he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Chime added, “Ten years ago, when I joined the APC, we saw tomorrow. We knew PDP was going down. It is now obvious that APC is the only party available. So, the two-million mark, to me, is actually just there. We are going beyond that in Enugu State.”
He described the renewed momentum of the party as encouraging, insisting that skepticism would soon give way to acceptance.
“So, it is exciting to see how people are happy being part of APC, and I am happy APC is back in Enugu State. Those who are still skeptical have no choice. APC is still the way to go,” he concluded.
Also speaking at the event, the host chairman and Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hon. Hyginus Agu, alongside his counterparts from Aninri, Awgu, Ezeagu and Oji River LGAs, pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation to surpass the two-million membership target.
“The truth is that our governor has done so well. We have multiple projects in every political ward to brag about. The people are happy and, 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, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, alongside other APC leaders and stakeholders from the South East, at the weekend formally adopted President Tinubu as the region’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
