By Adesakin Adefemi
David Umahi, minister of works, has called on the people of the south-east to support President Bola Tinubu with 80% of the region’s votes in the 2027 presidential election. Umahi made this statement during the inauguration of the completed section of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.
Umahi emphasized that the south-east must be strategic in 2027, stating that the region’s people should not aim to give Tinubu anything less than 80% of their votes. He made this remark while addressing journalists at the event.
The minister relayed that the Enugu-Onitsha expressway project was initially awarded under a tax credit arrangement involving MTN Nigeria and executed by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Limited.
He noted that the project was on a standstill before 2023 and that it took Tinubu’s intervention for it to continue.
Umahi commended Tinubu for his efforts in reconstructing the road, stating that it takes a lot of courage to do what the president is doing. He added that the first 50km of reinforced concrete pavement is about 97% completed.
The minister said the Tinubu administration is constructing multiple road projects in the south-east as part of a plan to connect the zone with other parts of the country. He cited the president’s efforts as a reason for the south-east to support him in 2027.
Umahi declared that the conversation on marginalization of the south-east is waning due to the calibre of appointees by Tinubu and federal government projects in the region. He stated that the Biafra the people are looking for is Tinubu.
The former Ebonyi governor urged the people of the south-east to be strategic and not split their votes. He emphasized that the region should support Tinubu with 80% of their votes and leave the rest for negotiation.
Umahi’s statement has sparked reactions, with some interpreting it as a call for regional loyalty. Others see it as a pragmatic approach to securing the region’s interests.
The development highlights the ongoing political maneuvering in Nigeria, with various regions and groups vying for influence and representation in the country’s leadership.
