The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on the South-East to deliver at least 80 per cent of its votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Umahi made the appeal on Thursday during the inauguration of a completed section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, where he highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in the region under the current administration.
Speaking with journalists, the former Ebonyi State governor said the road project, initially awarded under a tax credit scheme involving MTN Nigeria and Reynolds Construction Company, had stalled before the intervention of the Tinubu administration.
He noted that the project gained momentum after a review by the Federal Government, adding that significant progress had since been achieved.
“The project was awarded before the coming of President Tinubu with no meaningful progress made. We reviewed it and allowed the contractor to continue,” Umahi said.
He disclosed that about 97 per cent of the first 50 kilometres of reinforced concrete pavement had been completed, explaining that the President directed the opening of a portion of the road to ease movement during the Easter period.
Umahi further stated that multiple road projects were ongoing across the South-East as part of efforts to enhance connectivity and economic integration with other parts of the country.
The minister urged political leaders and residents of the region to adopt a strategic approach ahead of the 2027 elections by supporting the President.
According to him, the narrative of marginalisation in the South-East is gradually diminishing due to federal appointments and infrastructure development in the zone.
“When I say the marginalisation is over, it is because of what this administration is doing. For the first time, the South-East has the Minister of Works, and several projects are ongoing,” he said.
He stressed that delivering overwhelming electoral support for Tinubu would strengthen the region’s position in national politics and negotiations.
Umahi also cautioned against political divisions, urging stakeholders not to allow their votes to be split among multiple candidates.
“In 2027, the South-East must be strategic. We should not be aiming to give the President anything less than 80 per cent,” he added.
In the 2023 presidential election, the South-East overwhelmingly supported Peter Obi, who secured about 89.6 per cent of the votes in the region, while Tinubu polled 5.8 per cent and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar garnered 4.2 per cent.
Umahi’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and early positioning by key stakeholders ahead of the next general elections.
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