The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has said that all five governors of the South East, regardless of political affiliation, are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to join the effort, saying the region is witnessing unprecedented federal infrastructure development under Tinubu.
His comments come on the heels of a declaration by Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), that his party has adopted President Bola Tinubu as its candidate for the 2027 election and would deliver the state in his favour.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) currently controls two of the five South East states—Imo and Ebonyi—while Enugu is governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abia by the Labour Party, and Anambra by APGA.
Umahi made the remarks in a forthcoming State House documentary marking the president’s second year in office, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday.
“The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness, a Nigeria that treats every zone equally. That is what President Tinubu is doing,” he said.
The former Ebonyi governor noted that past grievances over marginalisation in the region were being addressed, citing multiple ongoing federal road projects, including the Second Niger Bridge, which he said is already 30 per cent funded.
“Before, Ebonyi lacked federal presence. Today, at least four projects are ongoing there,” he said, noting that “We now have a Minister of Works from the South East for the first time. Enugu to Abakaliki, Port Harcourt to Enugu, Onitsha to Owerri—all are under construction.”
Umahi disclosed plans for a South East summit to formally endorse Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
“All the governors are on board. We’re organising a summit of South East leaders to endorse the president. We want our projects completed, national unity strengthened and full integration of Ndi Igbo,” he stated.
He called on Obi to set aside political ambitions and support Tinubu for the good of the region.
“Leadership isn’t about self—it’s about the people. If someone else is doing what you would have done, support him. I call on my brother, Peter Obi, to join us. He must be part of the summit. The South East is happy with the president,” Umahi said.
Umahi’s statement also coincides with last week’s endorsement of President Tinubu by APC leaders in the North West, who named him the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 election.
These endorsements come despite Tinubu having yet to complete his second year in office and not having officially declared his intention to seek re-election.
