In a significant political declaration, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has stated that the political future of South East governors and himself is inextricably tied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's candidacy in the 2027 presidential election.
Tinubu Has Delivered the 'Biafra' of Inclusion, Says Umahi
In his New Year message, the former Governor of Ebonyi State made a striking claim. He asserted that President Tinubu has effectively given the Igbo people, or Ndigbo, the essence of what they sought through the Biafran agitation. Umahi clarified this did not mean a separate state, but rather inclusive governance, national integration, and massive infrastructure development in the South East region.
He described President Tinubu as a "consolation to Ndigbo after years of neglect and marginalisation" by previous administrations. According to Umahi, the Tinubu government has addressed what he termed "the criminal marginalisation of the South East," thereby reopening the region's chapter in national affairs.
A Unified Front for 2027
Umahi expressed strong confidence that the region would correct the perceived errors of the 2023 general elections. He issued a direct call for solidarity, warning against politicians he described as deceptive.
"Our people will never make the mistake of 2023 again. We shall remain resolute and stand strongly together behind Mr President in the 2027 election," Umahi declared. "Ndigbo will not be deceived again by marauding politicians with sugar-coated mouths."
He positioned the upcoming election as a collective endeavor for the region's leadership. "One of our brothers is already saying he will be on the ballot in 2027, but I am telling Ndigbo that President Tinubu will be on the ballot. Once he is on the ballot, all the governors of the South East are on the ballot, and I, the Minister of Works, am also on the ballot," he insisted.
Renewed Optimism and Economic Transformation
Beyond politics, Umahi's message struck an optimistic note about Nigeria's direction. He declared that the most difficult period in the nation's history is over, crediting the turnaround to the administration's economic and infrastructural policies.
He predicted that the coming year would witness significant transformation across all sectors of the economy, bolstered by ongoing projects in the South East and nationwide.
Concluding his message, Umahi made a definitive statement: "President Tinubu has reopened our chapter and is massively investing in our future. Indeed, the Biafra is here." This framing aims to redefine the region's aspirations within the context of the current federal government's agenda.
