Minister Says Igbo Must Build Alliances, Support Tinubu for Eight-Year Tenure
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has declared that the South-East geopolitical zone will not produce Nigeria’s president in 2027, urging the region to instead focus on supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Umahi made this known on Monday in response to a publication alleging marginalisation of the South-East under the current administration. He dismissed the report as politically motivated and misleading.l
TJ News Nigeria reports that Umahi described such narratives as attempts to deceive the public and undermine the infrastructural strides of the Tinubu government across the country, including in the South-East.
“Not in 2027,” Says Umahi on Igbo Presidency
Addressing the clamour for a South-East presidency in the next general election, Umahi said:
“We must not be deceived again. Mr President must have the votes of the South-East up to 90% to cement this relationship. One day, we will be number one — but not in 2027.”
He urged the Igbo people to adopt a more strategic political approach by forging alliances with other regions rather than insisting on a presidential bid in the next election cycle.
“If we want to be president, we must avoid the politics of hate and sentiments. We must support other regions, and with God, one day, other regions will support us,” Umahi added.
Tinubu’s Fairness to the South-East
Umahi emphasised that President Tinubu had demonstrated a strong commitment to national unity and inclusiveness through equitable distribution of federal infrastructure projects.
According to him, all regional directors in the Ministry of Works have been instructed to return to project sites and compile reports on inherited and newly initiated projects. The goal, he said, is to present Nigerians with factual evidence of development, regardless of regional voting patterns.
“Only those who open their eyes will see the light of change in Nigeria,” the minister said.
Umahi Urges End to Political Bitterness
Reacting to what he termed a wave of misinformation, the former Ebonyi State governor warned political actors from the South-East against divisive rhetoric that may further isolate the region politically.
He stressed that President Tinubu must be supported to complete his eight-year tenure, adding that this cooperation could pave the way for a future presidency from the South-East.
“We must focus on building trust and strategic relationships. This is not the time for bitterness or propaganda,” Umahi said.
South-East Governors Commended
Umahi also commended governors from the South-East for their ongoing developmental efforts and called for greater synergy between state governments and the federal administration.
“Our governors are doing well. We must continue to collaborate with the centre to bring more progress to our region.”
Political Implications Ahead of 2027
The minister’s remarks come amid rising agitation for a South-East presidency in 2027, especially following the performance of Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, has already indicated interest in contesting again.
Despite the growing support for Obi and similar figures in the region, Umahi’s statement signals a potential realignment of political strategy in the South-East, possibly favouring the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Key Takeaways:
- Dave Umahi says South-East will not produce Nigeria’s president in 2027
- Urges Igbo to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition
- Warns against hate politics, advocates strategic alliances
- Highlights Tinubu’s infrastructure investments in the South-East
- Calls for greater regional cooperation with federal government
Related Articles:
- WAEC 2025: Nigerian Students Demand English Language Remark Over Massive Failure
- Tinubu Extends Customs CG Bashir Adeniyi’s Tenure by One Year
- Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today: Parallel Market Update
