Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has appointed Benjamin Chika Ugwu as the new coordinator of Southeast Support Groups, a role that encompasses the five southeastern states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. The announcement was made by Paul Ibe, Atiku's media adviser, on April 23. Ugwu, who has a diverse background as an academic, entrepreneur, and public servant, is tasked with professionalizing and supporting Atiku's political initiatives in the region. This appointment comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened the window for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement has elicited a range of reactions from Nigerians, with some criticizing Atiku's ongoing political aspirations and others defending his strategic efforts to build a support base in the southeast. Ugwu's extensive qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies, a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics, a Master’s degree in Economics, and a doctorate in Petroleum Economics.