Minister of Works, David Umahi has issued a passionate appeal to the Southeast region to demonstrate unified support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, crediting the President with transforming decades of perceived federal marginalization into meaningful inclusion and development.
Speaking during Sallah celebrations with the Muslim community in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, the former governor emphasized that President Tinubu has fundamentally altered the Southeast’s relationship with the federal government through deliberate policies and strategic appointments that have restored the region’s prominence in national affairs.
Umahi highlighted the significant shift in federal representation, noting that the current administration has appointed Southeast natives to crucial positions including his own role as Works Minister, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Minister of Science and Technology. These appointments represent what he described as a departure from previous administrations that had limited Southeast participation in key government roles.
“Before now, many Southeast states had no federal projects. Today, the federal presence is visible across the region. That is what true national integration looks like,” Umahi declared, emphasizing the tangible improvements in federal infrastructure investment and project implementation across Southeast states.
The Works Minister acknowledged that while progress remains incomplete, the transformation has been substantial enough to warrant regional recognition and continued support. He stressed that the Southeast must capitalize on this renewed federal attention rather than risk returning to previous patterns of political isolation.
“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,” Umahi stated, calling for pragmatic political engagement over ideological opposition.
His comments directly challenge growing opposition movements seeking to unseat President Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Umahi specifically criticized coalition efforts involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other prominent political figures.
The minister dismissed these opposition leaders as lacking credibility and anonymity, arguing that their coalition efforts represent destructive rather than constructive political engagement. He contended that President Tinubu’s governance record and national integration achievements provide sufficient justification for electoral support in 2027.
Umahi urged Southeast residents to reject what he termed divisive rhetoric and instead embrace constructive dialogue with the federal government. He emphasized that regional reintegration requires deliberate political choices that prioritize inclusion over isolation.
“The South-East 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, framing current political developments as a critical juncture for regional advancement.
The Works Minister praised President Tinubu’s approach to religious harmony, describing the administration’s interfaith policies as achieving unprecedented levels of national unity. He specifically cited the President’s decision to lead a Nigerian delegation to the Vatican for papal ceremonies as evidence of remarkable religious tolerance that had surprised many Christians and demonstrated genuine commitment to inclusive governance.
Umahi characterized this Vatican visit as both unique and historic, suggesting it represents a new era of religious accommodation that transcends traditional political and sectarian boundaries. He argued that such gestures demonstrate the President’s commitment to representing all Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation.
The minister’s statements reflect broader political calculations within the Southeast as the region evaluates its relationship with the current administration ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. His appeal for unity suggests recognition that continued opposition could jeopardize recent gains in federal inclusion and project allocation.
These comments occur against the backdrop of ongoing political maneuvering as various opposition figures explore coalition possibilities for challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress in future elections. The coalition discussions involve former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former APC National Vice Chairman Salihu Lukman, and other prominent political actors seeking to build broad-based opposition movements.
Umahi’s intervention represents a significant voice within Southeast politics, given his previous gubernatorial experience and current ministerial position, potentially influencing regional political calculations as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
