The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged the South-East region to remain patient in its quest for Nigeria’s presidency, insisting that it is not yet the region’s turn to produce the nation’s next leader.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, Umahi called for political fairness and continuity ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing the progress made under President Bola Tinubu since taking office in 2023.
“No, it is not our time yet,” Umahi said. “Before the 2023 elections, the 17 Southern governors met in Asaba and agreed that the presidency should go to the South, regardless of political party. We all tried, but the crown came upon President Bola Tinubu. Since he is from the South, it would be wrong for the South-East to demand it now. He must complete his eight years for both the South and the North.”
According to Umahi, the South-East and North-East can rightfully contest the presidency after 2031, as both zones have never produced a president. He argued that fairness and equity must be maintained for Nigeria’s unity to thrive.
“For me, it’s not yet the South-East’s turn,” he continued. “When the time comes, we have many sons and daughters who are eminently qualified to lead this nation.”
While acknowledging that the South-East has experienced marginalisation in the past, Umahi explained that such feelings made it difficult for governors like him to secure the region for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections. NAN reports that the APC secured only 5.85 per cent of total votes in the region.
He attributed this poor performance to years of perceived neglect but maintained that President Tinubu has been fair to all regions. “President Tinubu doesn’t care where you come from; he treats everyone equally. The South-East might say it didn’t get many appointments, but the position of Minister of Works is equivalent to five Grade A ministerial posts,” Umahi said.
He argued that appointments alone do not translate into development, citing ongoing federal projects in the region. “We are doing over ₦350 billion worth of projects from Enugu to Onitsha—₦202 billion through MTN and ₦150 billion through CBC. The president has also approved ₦174 billion for the second access route in Anambra State,” he stated.
Umahi listed several other key projects, including:
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The Port Harcourt–Aba road (86 km)
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The Aba–Umuahia dual carriageway (56 km)
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The Umuahia–Lokpanta and Lokpanta–Enugu routes (over 120 km combined, worth ₦100 billion)
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The Enugu–Abakaliki dualisation (₦183 billion)
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The Trans-Saharan route from Ebonyi to the Benue boundary (₦456 billion)
He also mentioned the ongoing bridge connections between Cross River and Ebonyi, the Afigbo–Uturu–Okigwe project funded by Dangote tax credits (₦193 billion), and repairs of two failed bridges in Enugu caused by the 2023 floods.
“President Tinubu is connecting the South-East like never before,” Umahi said. “With the Abakpa flyover, the Obinagu flyover, and several other key projects, we have every reason to be grateful.”
Umahi urged the South-East to recognise both the progress and the present realities. “Yes, we can acknowledge past injustices, but we must also celebrate what is happening now. I can proudly say that President Tinubu has done more for the South-East in two years than many before him,” he declared.
“We should be clapping with our hands and legs for President Bola Tinubu,” he concluded. “It’s not just about being appointed a minister, but about using that position to deliver tangible results for the entire country.”