David Umahi Says South-East Lacks Strong Presidential Candidate for 2027 Election

David Umahi, the Minister of Works, stated that the South-East region does not have a strong presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 election. He made these comments during a town hall meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, organized by the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Umahi emphasized that while there are several aspirants in the region, none have the ability to unite the people behind them. He urged the South-East to back President Bola Tinubu in his re-election effort, arguing that this support could help the region in future presidential ambitions.

He questioned the qualifications of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate from the New Democratic Congress, comparing him to other notable figures from the South-East, including himself and former leaders. Umahi expressed concern that those who do not support Obi are often criticized.

According to Umahi, supporting Tinubu for a second term could help the South-East gain favor from other regions when it comes time for the presidency to rotate. He argued that an Igbo president would require more than one term to effectively lead the country.

Umahi also highlighted the importance of building alliances rather than relying on emotions. He pointed out that the South-East has seen increased representation in the Federal Government under Tinubu, which he believes is a sign of integration.

In his remarks, Umahi called on traditional and religious leaders to actively support Tinubu, urging them not to remain neutral during the election. He also dismissed opposition parties in Ebonyi State as insignificant, expressing confidence in the ruling party’s ability to secure votes.