Works Minister David Umahi has urged the Southeast region to abandon what he termed “politics of hatred and sentiments” and instead rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection campaign as a strategic pathway to achieving an eventual Igbo presidency.
In a statement issued Monday in Abuja, the former Ebonyi State governor dismissed suggestions that the Southeast could produce Nigeria’s president in 2027, describing such expectations as unrealistic and cautioning against misleading the region’s population.
Umahi emphasized that Southeast support for Tinubu’s second term bid should reach overwhelming levels, stating that the President “must have the votes of South East up to 90 percent to cement this relationship.” He argued that such massive electoral backing would demonstrate the region’s political maturity and strengthen its future presidential prospects.
“We must not be deceived again. Mr. President must have the votes of South East up to 90 percent to cement this relationship. Enough of darkening counsel without knowledge in the South East. We must rise to educate our people,” Umahi declared.
The Works Minister praised President Tinubu’s administration for showing “unwavering love and fairness” to the Southeast, suggesting that this favorable treatment warrants reciprocal political support from the region. He positioned continued backing for Tinubu as essential for maintaining positive federal-regional relations.
Umahi outlined a long-term political strategy for the Southeast, arguing that supporting other regions’ presidential ambitions would eventually generate similar support for Igbo candidates. He stressed that this approach requires abandoning divisive political tactics that have historically worked against the region’s interests.
“If we want to be president, we must avoid the politics of hate, misinformation, and sentiments. We must support other regions, and with God, one day, other regions will support us,” he explained.
The Minister insisted that President Tinubu should be allowed to complete a full eight-year tenure, claiming that all regions are benefiting from his leadership. He expressed confidence that the Southeast’s turn for the presidency would eventually come, but firmly ruled out 2027 as a realistic timeframe.
“Mr. President must be supported to complete his tenure of eight years, which all regions are benefitting from. One day, we will be number one, but not in 2027,” Umahi stated.
The former governor also commended Southeast governors for their leadership and encouraged regional residents to support both the state executives and President Tinubu for second terms in their respective offices.
