Nigeria's Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027. He made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television's Sunday Politics. According to Umahi, his confidence in Tinubu's return is rooted in his belief that God brought the president into office at a difficult period in Nigeria's history. Tinubu assumed office amid numerous challenges and obstacles but has continued to make difficult decisions aimed at addressing Nigeria's economic problems.
Umahi stated that his close working relationship with Tinubu has convinced him that the president has good intentions for the country. He mentioned that he has worked closely with Tinubu and has seen his good heart and intentions. Umahi also noted that Tinubu has never asked him to give jobs to specific individuals. This, according to Umahi, gives him faith in Tinubu's leadership.
The minister expressed confidence that Tinubu will make significant gains in the Southeast during the 2027 presidential election. He predicted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could win all five states in the region. Umahi's faith, he said, suggests that the APC will harvest a lot of votes in the Southeast. He, however, did not provide specific details on how this would be achieved.
Umahi dismissed claims that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), could pose a threat to the ruling party in the South East. He urged Nigerians to move away from regional politics, arguing that such an approach would not benefit the country. According to Umahi, Nigerians should be able to have a handshake across the Niger, promoting unity.
The minister defended Tinubu's economic reforms, acknowledging that they have caused hardship, particularly for vulnerable Nigerians. However, he insisted that the measures were necessary to tackle Nigeria's economic difficulties. Umahi argued that the administration's efforts should be assessed by comparing the economic situation when Tinubu assumed office with the current situation.
Umahi disclosed that Tinubu inherited 2,068 projects valued at about N13 trillion when he assumed office in 2023. He added that about 80 per cent of the projects being executed by his ministry were inherited from the previous administration. The minister listed several major road projects being pursued by the administration, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Road.
On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi rejected allegations of wrongdoing and said he was prepared to take responsibility for the procurement process. He stated that the first 47.47-kilometre section had been completed, while work on the second section was nearing completion. The legacy projects are being financed through an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing arrangement.
Key points
- - Umahi expresses confidence in Tinubu's re-election in 2027. - The minister predicts APC will win all five Southeast states. - Umahi defends Tinubu's economic reforms despite acknowledging hardship.
