Minister Umahi Calls for South-East Alignment with Tinubu Ahead of 2027

Minister of Works David Umahi has publicly challenged the political strategy of the South-East region regarding the 2027 presidential election. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, organized by the Directorate of Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, the minister asserted that the region currently lacks a viable candidate capable of commanding broad consensus.

The Case for Strategic Alliances

Umahi argued that the region’s political future depends on building strategic alliances rather than relying on sentiment or individual aspirations. According to the minister, supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid is a necessary step to position the South-East for future support from other geopolitical zones when the presidency eventually rotates to the region.

“There is no way an Igbo man, after waiting for 60 years, will accept being President for only four years,” Umahi stated, emphasizing that an Igbo presidency would require more than one term to be effective. He suggested that by backing the current administration, the region could establish a foundation that makes a future South-East presidency more attainable.

Questioning Current Leadership Narratives

During his address, Umahi specifically addressed the prominence of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC). He questioned why Obi is frequently positioned as the sole representative of the region’s interests, asking, “Who is Peter Obi better than?” He cited several other prominent South-East figures—including former Senate President Pius Anyim, former Education Minister Sam Egwu, and former chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Elias Mbam—as individuals with comparable credentials.

The minister expressed frustration over the social media discourse surrounding these political choices, suggesting that those who do not support Obi are unfairly labeled as saboteurs. He urged the region to move away from what he described as “hate speech” and instead embrace a more pragmatic approach to national politics.

Integration and Governance

A central pillar of Umahi’s argument is that the South-East has become more integrated into the Federal Government under the current administration. He pointed to several high-level appointments, including the Chief of Air Staff and his own role as Minister of Works, as evidence of this inclusion. He contrasted this with previous administrations, where he claimed the region had less representation in key security and ministerial positions.

A Call to Traditional and Religious Leaders

Umahi also issued a direct appeal to traditional rulers and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), urging them to abandon neutrality. He argued that religious and traditional leaders in other regions, such as the North and South-West, are typically more vocal in their political alignments. He encouraged these leaders to “guide our people” toward supporting the current administration to ensure the region’s collective interests are protected.

Finally, regarding the local political landscape in Ebonyi State, Umahi dismissed opposition efforts against Governor Francis Nwifuru as “jokers.” He set a target for the state to deliver at least 1.3 million votes out of its 1.8 million registered voters for the President and the Governor in the upcoming electoral cycle.

Note: Information regarding the specific responses of the mentioned political figures or the Christian Association of Nigeria to these remarks was not available at the time of reporting.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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