Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure victory in all five states of the South-East during the 2027 presidential election. Umahi made this prediction while appearing on Channels Television's Sunday Politics. He urged people in the region to move away from regional politics and embrace broader national engagement. According to Umahi, Tinubu is positioned to receive significant support from voters across the South-East.
The All Progressives Congress currently controls Imo, Enugu, and Ebonyi states, while Abia is governed by the Labour Party and Anambra by the All Progressives Grand Alliance. Umahi appealed to residents of the region to abandon regional politics, which he believes does not benefit them. Instead, he encouraged them to engage in national politics and have a broader perspective. This, he said, would help to promote unity and fairness in the country.
Umahi also discussed the relationship between the South-East and the federal government. He stated that the region had suffered marginalization under former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Umahi, the South-East was previously left out of major government positions, including key security and ministerial appointments. This, he claimed, had continued and even increased during Buhari's presidency.
However, Umahi noted that the situation has changed under Tinubu's presidency. He cited his own appointment as Minister of Works, as well as the appointments of ministers of foreign affairs and science and industry, as evidence of the region's increased involvement in federal decision-making. Umahi expressed satisfaction with the appointments and the attention the region has received from the federal government.
Umahi emphasized that the South-East is not demanding special treatment but rather fairness in the allocation of political appointments, resources, and infrastructure. He thanked the National Assembly for its efforts to create a sixth state in the South-East, describing it as a work in progress. The minister also highlighted infrastructure projects in the region, including legacy projects initiated by President Tinubu.
During his eight years as governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi did not see a federal government road or bridge project in the South-East. However, he noted that the current administration has initiated several infrastructure projects in the region. These projects, he believes, demonstrate the federal government's commitment to developing the region and addressing its needs.
Umahi's comments have sparked optimism about Tinubu's chances in the 2027 presidential election. The president's approval ratings have been steadily increasing, and his efforts to address the region's concerns have been well-received. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Tinubu will be able to secure victory in all five South-East states, as predicted by Umahi.
Key points
- Umahi predicts Tinubu will win all five South-East states in the 2027 presidential election.
- The South-East region has suffered marginalization under previous administrations, but Umahi believes this has changed under Tinubu.
- Umahi is calling for fairness in the allocation of political appointments, resources, and infrastructure for the South-East region.
