The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on the South-East region to overwhelmingly support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, cautioning that failure to do so could threaten the continuation of major federal infrastructure projects in the area.
Inspection tour in Ebonyi State
Umahi made the remarks on Wednesday, May 20, during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Ebonyi State. He described the projects as unprecedented in the history of the South-East, emphasizing that no previous administration had invested so heavily in the region's infrastructure.
Among the projects inspected was the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway, which Umahi identified as one of the administration's legacy projects. According to him, the stretch from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary spans approximately 123 kilometers and is being constructed with reinforced concrete pavement and solar-powered streetlights at an estimated cost of N454 billion.
Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government had already released 50 percent funding for the project, while approvals were being processed for the dualisation of critical sections of the route. He further explained that section two of the corridor, extending about 178 kilometers from the Ebonyi-Benue boundary through Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states to Oweto Bridge, carries a contract value of N685 billion.
Funding challenges and government commitment
While acknowledging funding challenges facing contractors, Umahi maintained that the Federal Government remained committed to meeting its obligations. "The President has assured us that all contractors owed will be paid. Today, there is hardly any state in Nigeria without a construction site under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu," he said.
Umahi urged communities benefiting from federal projects to reciprocate by supporting Tinubu in the next election. "Last time, Afikpo people did not vote for APC. If they want this bridge completed, I will require 100 percent of the votes. I am not asking for 99 percent," he declared.
According to him, projects of such magnitude could only be executed through federal intervention. "Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can build these roads and bridges. Past politicians used this bridge as campaign promises, but this President came and started the work without making noise about it," he added.
South-East relevance in national politics
Umahi argued that the South-East had regained relevance in national politics under the current administration, citing his appointment as Minister of Works and the scale of projects spread across the region. "We shouted marginalisation before, but today no ministry is bigger than the Ministry of Works, and it is being headed by an Igbo man. The President has integrated the South-East into the mainstream of Nigerian politics," he said.
The minister urged political leaders in the region to publicly support the President and sensitize residents about the administration's achievements. "I challenge all leaders supporting the President to speak out openly. Our people need to hear the truth about what this administration is doing in the South-East," he stated.
Project completion and 2027 elections
Umahi projected that substantial portions of the project would be completed before the end of the year and appealed to South-East voters to avoid sentiment during the 2027 elections. "This election is not a lottery. The presidency is not won by sentiment but by strategic planning. We must support the President to complete these projects and secure greater opportunities for the South-East," he said.
The former Ebonyi governor insisted that the Tinubu administration had shown commitment to infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. "We will shock the nation in Ebonyi State because we will deliver 95 percent of our votes to President Tinubu. The last election outcome was an accident of history, and it will not repeat itself," Umahi declared.
