2027: Not yet our turn to produce president — Umahi tells Igbos

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said that the South-East region should not expect to produce Nigeria’s president in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Monday, Umahi called on the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, noting that the president has demonstrated fairness and commitment to the region, especially in infrastructure development.

Umahi’s remarks were in response to an online publication which he described as an attempt to misrepresent the Tinubu administration’s engagement with the South-East.

“I understand that politics is now in the air and the chosen path by some persons is to deceive unsuspecting members of the public,” he said. “They want to look like heroes while ignoring the great and selfless infrastructure development Mr. President is doing across the nation.”

He disclosed that all regional directors in the Ministry of Works had been instructed to revisit project sites and document progress on both inherited and new projects, to provide Nigerians with a clearer picture of the administration’s efforts irrespective of political leanings.

According to Umahi, President Tinubu is driving national unity through equitable infrastructure distribution. “Only those who open their eyes will see the light of change in Nigeria,” he added.

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On the question of a South-East presidency, Umahi advised the Igbo to focus on forming strong political alliances with other regions rather than pursuing the presidency in 2027.

“We must not be deceived again,” he said. “Mr President must have the votes of the South-East up to 90% to cement this relationship.”

He cautioned against misinformation and divisive politics, urging the South-East to shun political bitterness. “If we want to be president, we must avoid the politics of hate and sentiments,” Umahi said. “We must support other regions, and with God, one day, other regions will support us.”

He insisted that President Tinubu must be allowed to complete his eight-year tenure, adding: “One day, we will be number one — but not in 2027.”

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