Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure significantly more votes in the South-East in the 2027 presidential election. According to Umahi, the expected shift in votes is attributed to increased federal appointments, infrastructure projects, and the administration's effort to integrate the region into the mainstream of national development. He made these remarks during a national television programme on Sunday night.
Umahi noted that the South-East had legitimate grievances over perceived marginalisation under previous administrations. However, he argued that the situation had changed under Tinubu. The Minister cited inadequate representation in major government appointments as a reason for the region's past grievances. He highlighted that the region now has a Minister of Works, a Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a Minister of Science and Industry.
The administration has demonstrated its commitment to regional integration through infrastructure, with ongoing legacy projects linking the South-East with other parts of the country. Umahi pointed to the Abuja-Abakaliki-Enugu corridor and other projects linking Ebonyi, Benue, and Enugu. He believes that improved connectivity will make it easier for people in the region to travel to Abuja and other parts of the country.
Several federal projects in the South-East are already completed or nearing completion. These include the Eke-Obinagu Flyover Bridge, a 23-span bridge, a 33-kilometre reinforced concrete road, and the 61-Kilometre Lokpanta–Enugu Road. Umahi stated that people in the region are happy about these developments.
When asked whether the projects would translate into votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umahi declined to predict an electoral sweep. However, he expressed optimism that the party would perform substantially better in the region. He stated that the President is going to harvest a lot of votes in the South-East, adding that it can never be the same as it was before.
Umahi also spoke about the emergence of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as a major political force in the South-East. He dismissed suggestions that he considers Obi a threat to Tinubu or APC. Instead, Umahi challenged politicians seeking to lead the country to put their records in public office up for scrutiny, rather than relying on campaign promises.
Finally, Umahi addressed the possibility of major opposition parties uniting behind a single candidate against Tinubu. He stated that APC is not worried about the prospect until such a coalition materialises. According to Umahi, the administration's infrastructure programme, combined with its political organisation and public support for its leaders, would shape the 2027 contest.
Key points
- Tinubu expected to secure more votes in Southeast due to increased federal appointments and infrastructure projects.
- Umahi dismisses Peter Obi as a threat to Tinubu or APC.
- APC not worried about opposition coalition against Tinubu.
