Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has drawn sharp public backlash following his declaration that it is not yet the turn of the South-East region to produce Nigeria's president. Speaking in Benin during an assessment of federal road projects, Umahi argued that the current political moment belongs exclusively to President Bola Tinubu, whom he maintained deserves support and a second term in office.

Umahi specifically targeted former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi, questioning his record and challenging comparisons between their respective achievements in public service. The minister asserted that political opportunities will naturally come to the Igbo at a future time.

The remarks have ignited widespread condemnation from political analysts, lawyers, and public commentators. Critics have accused the minister of self-serving political calculations and abandoning regional interests to secure favor with the central administration. Detractors emphasize that the presidency has traditionally rotated between broader Northern and Southern zones, noting that the South-East remains the only major Southern geopolitical bloc yet to hold the office since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Furthermore, civil commentators have pushed back against Umahi's comparison to Peter Obi, pointing to Obi's prior private sector success and prominent national support base as evidence of differing public standing. Critics maintain that widespread public backing for Obi stems from a demand for competence, integrity, and equity in national leadership rather than regional sentiment alone.