Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has revealed that all Southeast governors are now aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as plans are underway for a regional political summit to formally endorse him as the Southeast’s preferred candidate for the 2027 general election.
In a special feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second year in office, Umahi said that political leaders from the region—across party lines—are rallying behind the president in recognition of his administration’s commitment to equity, development, and national unity.
According to a statement released Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Umahi highlighted the unprecedented federal presence in the Southeast, particularly in infrastructure development under Tinubu’s leadership.
He pointed to several major federal road projects currently underway in the region, including the Port Harcourt–Enugu, Enugu–Abakaliki, Enugu–Onitsha, and Onitsha–Owerri highways, as well as the Second Niger Bridge.
“For the first time, the Southeast has a Minister of Works. That’s not symbolic—it is strategic. What we are seeing are real, measurable projects on the ground,” Umahi noted, adding that President Tinubu had already paid 30 percent of the cost of the Second Niger Bridge.
“When I was governor and even deputy governor in Ebonyi State, one of our greatest worries was the absence of federal presence. Today, under President Tinubu, we have at least four federal projects actively ongoing in the state.
“The Igbo man is naturally enterprising. What we want is fairness and equal opportunity—and that is what Mr. President is delivering.”
According to Umahi, the planned summit of political leaders from the region will further strengthen unity, accelerate project delivery, and enhance national cohesion.
“All Southeast governors, irrespective of political affiliation, are united in support of President Tinubu. The forthcoming summit will make that support official”, he said.
In a direct appeal to key opposition figures from the region, Umahi called on former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to join the collective effort to back the President’s re-election.
“Leadership is not about self—it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him,” Umahi said, adding that Obi’s presence at the summit would be significant for the region’s unity and progress.
“I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President. He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South East is happy with the President”, he said.
In addition to the political declarations, Umahi offered updates
on key national infrastructure projects, highlighting their transformative potential and the administration’s economic vision.
He praised President Tinubu’s foresight, stating that the idea of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was conceived by the President nearly seven years ago.
“Now, he is bringing that vision to life. It speaks volumes about his consistency, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s growth”, he said.
