Minister Umahi Urges South-East to Support Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid

ENUGU, NIGERIA – The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on the people of the South-East to strategically align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, suggesting a target of 80 percent of the region’s votes for the incumbent.

Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of a completed section of the Enugu–Onitsha expressway, Umahi emphasized that the region’s political future depends on its ability to negotiate from a position of strength and partnership with the federal government.

Infrastructure Development as a Catalyst

The Minister highlighted the completion of the road project as evidence of the President’s commitment to the South-East. According to Umahi, the project—initially a tax credit arrangement involving MTN Nigeria and executed by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Limited—had stalled significantly before the current administration took office.

• Project Progress: Umahi noted that the first 50km of reinforced concrete pavement is approximately 97% complete.

• Emergency Access: On the President’s directive, 15km of the road was opened ahead of schedule to ease travel for residents during the Easter period.

• Regional Connectivity: The Minister stated that the administration is currently executing multiple road projects designed to integrate the South-East more effectively with other geopolitical zones.

A Shift in Political Strategy

Reflecting on the 2023 election results—where President Tinubu received 5.8 percent of the region's votes compared to Peter Obi’s 89.6 percent—Umahi urged a tactical shift. He argued that the narrative of regional marginalization is being dismantled through high-profile appointments and substantial infrastructure investments.

“In 2027, the people of the South-East must be very strategic,” Umahi stated. “We will not mount the seat of the presidency by foul language or mere wishes. We have to be strategic. No matter who has the presidential ticket of other political parties, South-East people must support the President.”

Addressing Marginalization

The former Ebonyi State Governor asserted that the appointment of a South-Easterner as Minister of Works serves as a testament to the President's inclusive governance. He encouraged regional leaders to be more vocal in communicating the federal government's achievements to their constituents.

“The marginalization we are talking about is over,” Umahi said, concluding that a unified 80 percent vote for the President would provide the region with the necessary leverage at the national negotiation table.