In a significant political declaration, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that the Southeast geopolitical zone will adopt a more calculated approach in the upcoming 2027 general elections, moving away from the voting patterns of 2023.
A Strategic Shift in Political Alignment
Speaking on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Umahi insisted that the region's interests are better secured through strategy, unity, and constructive engagement rather than emotions. The former governor of Ebonyi State made these remarks while receiving various political, religious, and community groups who paid him a Christmas homage.
He asserted that the Igbo would vote overwhelmingly for President Bola Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru in the 2027 polls. "Our votes will not be wasted on sentiments again. The Southeast will be strategic, and the Southeast will vote massively for President Tinubu," Umahi declared to the gathering.
Infrastructure as the 'Real Biafra'
When questioned about the President's contributions to the region, Umahi pointed to major federal infrastructure projects as clear evidence of inclusion. He emphasized that these tangible developments represent the true progress the people should seek.
"You ask me what the President has done for the Southeast, and I will tell you what he has done for the Southeast," Umahi said. "We are talking about real projects, not social media sentiments."
He listed several key projects as achievements of the Tinubu administration:
- The Second Niger Bridge
- The Enugu–Onitsha (Nnewi) Road
- The Owerri–Aba Road
- Other major highways across the region
Umahi described these infrastructure milestones as the "real Biafra" the populace should focus on. "The road to Onitsha is Biafra. The Second Niger Bridge is Biafra. These are the Biafra we are looking for — not the Biafra of sentiments or social media," he explained.
A Call for Wisdom and National Integration
The Minister addressed the historical context of marginalisation, arguing that it can only be effectively countered through astute political positioning and active participation in national affairs. He reminded his audience that Nigeria is built on a tripod and warned against actions that would weaken any part of the nation.
"We can never win by sentiments. We can never win by hate. We can only win by strategy," Umahi stated. "When it is our turn to become President, we must be wise enough to position ourselves."
Furthermore, Umahi called on Igbos residing across Nigeria to be law-abiding and respectful of their host communities' cultures and laws. "Nigeria belongs to all of us. Nobody should intimidate us, but we must also respect the culture and laws of wherever we find ourselves," he added, urging humility and courage.
He concluded with an assurance that the Southeast is now more integrated at the federal level and should reciprocate the administration's gestures with solid electoral support in 2027.
