The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared that there are no credible opposition candidates capable of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

He cited the President’s achievements in governance and national integration.

Recently, former vice president Atiku Abubakar of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Tinubu’s former ally and former Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai and other politicians have been in discussion over a coalition movement to unseat Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Speaking in Abakaliki during the 2025 Sallah celebration with the Muslim community, Umahi said Tinubu has delivered quality leadership to Nigerians and deserves a second term.

He urged the Southeast region to rally behind the President, crediting him with reversing years of federal neglect in the region.

“Before now, many Southeast states had no federal projects. But today, federal presence is visible across the region. That is what true national integration looks like,” Umahi said.

He lauded the President for appointing individuals of Southeast Asian origin to strategic positions in government, including himself as Minister of Works, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Minister of Science and Technology.

He described these appointments as significant steps toward reintegrating the Southeast into national governance.

“We lost political ground in the past, but this government is bringing us back. It’s not yet perfect, but we are no longer left behind. We must acknowledge that and support the President,” he added.

Umahi also urged Southeast residents to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace constructive engagement with the federal government.

“The Southeast must count one before counting two. We need reintegration, not isolation. President Tinubu has started this process—we must not waste the opportunity,” he stated.

The former Governor of Ebonyi State praised President Tinubu for fostering what he described as an “unprecedented level” of interfaith harmony and national unity.

He cited the President’s decision to lead a Nigerian delegation to the Vatican for the Pope’s inauguration as a “unique and historic” gesture that surprised many Christians and highlighted a new era of religious tolerance.

“The foundation of all religions is love. We all serve one God in different ways. Both Muslims and Christians preach love and the fear of God,” Umahi noted.

Reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, Umahi praised the President’s consistent support for the Ministry of Works, calling it evidence of sincere and inclusive leadership.

“If you betray such a man, you betray God and Nigeria. I serve God and the President with the fear of God,” he said.

Leaders of the Muslim community in Ebonyi, including Sariki Danjuma Gambo and Salis Mohammed, echoed Umahi’s sentiments. They commended the prevailing peace in the state and pledged their full support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.