Former Ebonyi State Governor and Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that the South-East region has no presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. He dismissed the presidential ambition of Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, Peter Obi, describing him as "nobody". Umahi made these comments during a town hall meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, organized by the Directorate of Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council.
Umahi compared Obi to prominent South-East politicians, including himself, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Minister of Education Sam Egwu, and former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Chief Elias Mbam. He described himself as the "Lion of the South-East" and insisted that these individuals are no less qualified than Obi. Umahi urged the people of the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, arguing that this would position the region to benefit politically when it's its turn to produce the President.
During the town hall meeting, Umahi appealed to religious and traditional rulers in the region to openly declare their support for Tinubu rather than remain neutral. He recalled his own experience as a governor and how the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) supported him, saying "justice must prevail". Umahi emphasized that the South-East needs wisdom, not sentiments, and should not allow people to spread hate speeches on social media on their behalf.
Umahi highlighted the achievements of the current administration, citing the revival of roads and economic activities in the region. He noted that the South-East has been fully integrated into the country's political and economic landscape, citing examples such as the appointment of an Igbo man as Naval Chief and another as Chief of Air Staff. Umahi emphasized that the region has benefited from Tinubu's presidency and should support him to finish his term.
The Minister of Works boasted that he would deliver 1.3 million votes for Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru in the 2027 general elections. He expressed confidence that Ebonyi State, with 1.8 million registered voters, would contribute significantly to Tinubu's victory. Umahi also warned that he would not allow another political party to produce the governor of Ebonyi State, describing those who believe they can defeat Nwifuru as "jokers".
Umahi's comments have sparked reactions in the region, with many Igbo people expressing dissent. However, Umahi remains adamant that the South-East has no viable presidential candidate and that Obi's ambition is not credible. He urged traditional fathers and religious leaders to guide their people and make informed decisions about who to support in the 2027 elections.
The development is significant, given the South-East's strategic importance in Nigerian politics. The region has produced several prominent politicians and has been a key swing vote in previous elections. Umahi's endorsement of Tinubu is seen as a major boost to the President's campaign, but it remains to be seen how the region will respond to his call to support Tinubu in 2027.
Key points
- Umahi dismisses Peter Obi's presidential ambition, saying the South-East has no presidential candidate for 2027.
- Umahi urges the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu in 2027 to position the region for future political benefits.
- Umahi boasts that he will deliver 1.3 million votes for Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru in the 2027 general elections.
