Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has stated that while the South-East geopolitical zone will eventually produce Nigeria’s president, the opportunity will not come in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, Umahi urged the people of the South-East to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, emphasising that the president has shown fairness and commitment to the region in terms of infrastructure development.
Umahi was reacting to an online publication (not by Daily Trust) which he said was aimed at falsely portraying the Tinubu administration as neglecting the region.
“I understand that politics is now in the air and the chosen path by some persons is to deceive unsuspecting members of the public,” he said. “They want to look like heroes while ignoring the great and selfless infrastructure development Mr. President is doing across the nation.”
He said all regional directors in the Ministry of Works had been directed to return to project sites and compile reports on both inherited and new projects to show Nigerians the scale of work being done under Tinubu, regardless of political affiliations or voting patterns.
According to Umahi, Tinubu is using equitable infrastructure distribution to rebuild national unity and restore citizens’ faith in governance. “Only those who open their eyes will see the light of change in Nigeria,” he added.
On the issue of a South-East presidency, Umahi urged the Igbo people to focus on building strategic alliances with other regions rather than pushing for the presidency in 2027.
“We must not be deceived again,” he said. “Mr President must have the votes of the South-East up to 90% to cement this relationship.”
He warned against political bitterness, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric. “If we want to be president, we must avoid the politics of hate and sentiments,” Umahi said. “We must support other regions, and with God, one day, other regions will support us.”
He stressed that President Tinubu must be supported to complete his eight-year tenure, adding: “One day, we will be number one — but not in 2027.”
Umahi praised South-East governors for their developmental efforts and encouraged continued cooperation with the federal government.
His comments come amid increasing calls for a South-East presidency in 2027, with Labour Party’s 2023 candidate and former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, having already declared his intention to run again.
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