2027: Back Tinubu or risk losing federal projects, Dave Umahi tells South East

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged the South-East to overwhelmingly support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize the continuation of major federal infrastructure projects across the region. 

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Umahi spoke, Wednesday, May 20, during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Ebonyi State.

The minister described the projects as unprecedented in the history of the South-East, insisting that no previous administration had invested so heavily in the region’s infrastructure. Among the projects inspected was the ongoing Calabar-Ebonyi–Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway, which Umahi identified as one of the administration’s legacy projects.

According to him, the stretch from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary covers about 123 kilometres and is being constructed with reinforced concrete pavement and solar-powered streetlights at an estimated cost of N454 billion.

He disclosed that the Federal Government had already released 50 percent funding for the project, while approvals were being processed for the dualisation of critical sections of the route. The minister further explained that section two of the corridor, stretching about 178 kilometres from the Ebonyi–Benue boundary through Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states to Oweto Bridge, carries a contract value of N685 billion.

While acknowledging funding challenges facing contractors, Umahi maintained that the Federal Government remained committed to meeting its obligations.

“The President has assured us that all contractors owed will be paid. Today, there is hardly any state in Nigeria without a construction site under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said. Umahi said communities benefitting from federal projects should reciprocate by supporting Tinubu in the next election. “Last time, Afikpo people did not vote for APC. If they want this bridge completed, I will require 100 per cent of the votes. I am not asking for 99 per cent,” he declared.

According to him, projects of such magnitude could only be executed through federal intervention. “Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can build these roads and bridges. Past politicians used this bridge as campaign promises, but this President came and started the work without making noise about it,” he added.

Umahi argued that the South-East had regained relevance in national politics under the current administration, citing his appointment as Minister of Works and the scale of projects spread across the region.

“We shouted marginalisation before, but Today no ministry is bigger than the Ministry of Works, and it is being headed by an Igbo man. The President has integrated the South-East into the mainstream of Nigerian politics,” he said.

The minister urged political leaders in the region to publicly support the President and sensitise residents about the administration’s achievements. “I challenge all leaders supporting the President to speak out openly. Our people need to hear the truth about what this administration is doing in the South-East,” he stated.

Umahi projected that substantial portions of the project would be completed before the end of the year and appealed to South-East voters to avoid sentiment during the 2027 elections.

“This election is not a lottery. The presidency is not won by sentiment but by strategic planning. We must support the President to complete these projects and secure greater opportunities for the South-East,” he said. The former Ebonyi governor insisted that the Tinubu administration had shown commitment to infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

“We will shock the nation in Ebonyi State because we will deliver 95 per cent of our votes to President Tinubu. The last election outcome was an accident of history, and it will not repeat itself,” Umahi declared.