Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has stated that the South-East region is not yet due to produce Nigeria’s minister-on-shettima-snub-claims-for-2027/” title=”'Only Tinubu can choose his running mate' — … on Shettima ‘snub’ claims for 2027″>president in the 2027 election cycle. He called on the region to remain patient and back President Bola Tinubu’s administration to fulfill its full eight-year term.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Umahi emphasized that principles of fairness and political stability require that President Tinubu be allowed to complete his tenure before any discussions about south/” title=”Wike urges PDP to zone 2027 presidency to …”>power rotation resume.
“It is not the South-East’s turn at this moment,” Umahi remarked. “Before the 2023 elections, the 17 Southern governors met in Asaba and agreed that the next president should come from the South, regardless of party affiliation. Many of us campaigned, but the presidency ultimately went to President Bola Tinubu, who is from the South. Therefore, it is incorrect for the South-East to claim it is their turn now.”
The minister highlighted that Tinubu’s presidency symbolizes the collective aspirations of the entire Southern region and should be allowed to run its full course.
“He must serve the full eight years. This tenure belongs to all of us, both South and North. Once his term ends in 2031, the South-East can then contest, especially since they have never held the presidency before,” Umahi explained.
“Similarly, the North-East can also aspire to the position, as they too have not had the opportunity. I firmly believe that only when fairness and equity are established will power rotation be embraced with genuine satisfaction.”
Umahi acknowledged the historical political marginalization experienced by the South-East, which contributed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) securing a mere 5.85% of votes in the region during the 2023 elections.
“It was challenging for some of us to deliver the South-East for APC in 2023 due to the past injustices the people of the zone endured,” he admitted.
Nonetheless, the former Ebonyi State governor insisted that President Tinubu has demonstrated fairness since assuming office.
“Currently, President Tinubu treats everyone equitably, without regard to their origin,” he said. “While the South-East may feel underrepresented in appointments, the role of Minister of Works carries the weight of five grade A ministerial positions.”
Umahi pointed to several significant infrastructure initiatives underway in the South-East under Tinubu’s leadership, arguing that these projects offer more tangible benefits than previous political appointments that yielded limited development.
He mentioned key projects such as the Enugu-Onitsha dual carriageway (₦350 billion), Port Harcourt-Aba road (₦202 billion), Aba-Umuahia road (₦150 billion), the Enugu-Abakaliki dualisation (₦183 billion), and the Trans-Sahara road linking Ebonyi to the Benue boundary (₦456 billion).
“If the president is investing ₦193 billion to develop the route from Afigbo to Uturu and down to Okigwe, cutting across Ebonyi, Abia, and Imo through Dangote tax credits, and also connecting bridges between Cross River and Ebonyi, what more could we ask for?” Umahi questioned.
He also highlighted ongoing projects like the Abakpa and Obinago flyovers and the restoration of two bridges in Enugu damaged by the 2023 floods.
“We have every reason to appreciate the president’s efforts. Additionally, we have the support of the Chief of Naval Staff,” he added.
While acknowledging minor funding challenges, Umahi assured that contractors have resumed work on all sites and expressed confidence in the administration’s dedication to fulfilling its commitments.
“We should be applauding President Bola Tinubu wholeheartedly,” he enthused. “My appointment as Minister of Works is more than just a title; it’s about what we have achieved for the nation.”
He encouraged the South-East to concentrate on building upon the current progress rather than prematurely agitating for the presidency.
“Yes, recognize the past,” he concluded, “but let us also focus on the positive developments happening now.”
