Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, says the south-east geopolitical zone will produce Nigeria’s president someday but not in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on Monday, Umahi urged the people of the region to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, praising what he described as the president’s fairness and commitment to inclusive infrastructure development across all zones.

Umahi was responding to a report titled ‘The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South East Missing from the Map?’, which he dismissed as misleading and a deliberate attempt to portray Tinubu’s government as sidelining the south-east.

“I understand that politics is now in the air and the chosen path by some persons is to deceive unsuspecting members of the public,” Umahi said.

He described Tinubu as a unifying leader who is using “fair distribution of infrastructure to reunite Nigerians and renew their hope,” regardless of voting patterns during the 2023 presidential election.

The minister directed all regional directors under his ministry to return to project sites across the country to provide evidence of ongoing and revived infrastructure works, especially in the south-east.

Umahi listed several projects underway in the south-east, including:

  • The ₦46 billion access road to the Second Niger Bridge in Delta State
  • A ₦176 billion highway project in Anambra
  • The 208km Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, funded via the MTN tax credit scheme at ₦202 billion
  • The Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway (split into four sections)
  • Enugu–Abakaliki road, Afikpo–Abia–Imo road, Onitsha–Owerri–Aba road, Aba–Ikot Ekpene road, and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene road.

He said 90% of previously abandoned federal projects in the region — some dating back to 2013 have been revived under Tinubu’s leadership.

While acknowledging growing calls for a south-east presidency in 2027, Umahi said the region must avoid divisive politics.

“One day, we will be number one, but not in 2027,” he declared.

“We must not be deceived again. Mr President must have the votes of the South East up to 90% to cement this relationship.”

Umahi emphasized the need for unity, cooperation with other regions, and continued support for President Tinubu’s 8-year tenure.

“If we want to be president, we must avoid the politics of hate, misinformation, and sentiments,” he said.

He praised south-east governors for their development efforts and urged them to continue working in synergy with the federal government.

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