James Obasi2027 Not South-East’s Turn for Presidency – Umahi
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that the South-East region must remain patient in its pursuit of the Nigerian presidency, affirming that 2027 is not yet its turn.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, Umahi stressed the importance of political fairness and continuity, pointing to President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing administration as one that should be allowed to complete its two terms.
“It’s not yet the turn of the South-East,” Umahi said. “In 2021, Southern governors agreed the presidency should return to the South, and Tinubu emerged. He must finish his eight years, after which the South-East can fairly contest.”
He noted that both the South-East and North-East are yet to produce a president and should be considered after Tinubu’s tenure ends in 2031.
Addressing the region’s historical marginalisation, Umahi acknowledged the difficulty in delivering votes for the APC in 2023. The party garnered only 5.85% of the vote in the zone. However, he praised President Tinubu’s current inclusive leadership style and highlighted major infrastructure projects in the South-East, including:
- Enugu-Onitsha Road (N350bn)
- Anambra Access Roads (N174bn)
- Port Harcourt-Aba and Aba-Umuahia roads
- Enugu-Abakaliki dualisation (N183bn)
- Trans-Sahara Road to Benue boundary (N456bn)
- Various bridges and flyovers in Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states
Umahi argued that these developments reflect the president’s commitment to the region, regardless of past political support.
“We have no reason not to be grateful,” he said. “This is not just about appointments it’s about what we’ve used them to achieve for our people.”
He concluded by urging the South-East to remain realistic and strategic in its political aspirations, saying, “Yes, remember the past, but let’s focus on the present realities.”
