ABUJA, Nigeria — Minister of Works, David Umahi, says Nigeria’s south-east region will produce the country’s president someday, but not in the 2027 general election.
The minister made the declaration on Monday, August 4, 2025, while calling on the Igbo community to throw their support behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
Umahi’s remarks were in response to a viral online publication titled “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South East Missing from the Map?”, which he dismissed as “misleading and inaccurate.”
The former Ebonyi governor accused the authors of the article of “pretentious politicking” and spreading disinformation to paint the Tinubu administration as marginalising the region.
“I understand that politics is now in the air and the chosen path by some persons is to deceive unsuspecting members of the public,” Umahi said in a statement.
“Mr President is using fair distribution of infrastructure to reunite Nigerians and renew their hope, and only those who open their eyes will see the light of change in Nigeria.”
The minister pointed to what he described as unprecedented road infrastructure projects in the south-east, including:
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Access roads to the Second Niger Bridge in Delta State, valued at ₦46 billion
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A ₦176 billion project in Anambra State
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The 208-kilometre Enugu–Onitsha expressway, financed through the MTN tax credit scheme (₦202 billion), alongside CBC’s segment (₦150 billion), with ₦45 billion released last week
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Sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt expressway
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The Enugu–Abakaliki road
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Afikpo–Abia–Imo corridor
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Onitsha–Owerri–Aba road
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Aba–Ikot Ekpene road
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Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene road
Umahi said these projects were previously abandoned, some dating back to 2013, but were revived under Tinubu’s administration.
He added that he had directed regional directors of the Ministry of Works to return to sites across the country to document and showcase both inherited and new projects.
Addressing the political future of the region, Umahi cautioned against premature aspirations and divisive rhetoric.
“One day, we will be number one, but not in 2027,” he said.
“We must support other regions, and with God, one day, other regions will support us. Mr President must be supported to complete his tenure of 8 years, which all regions are benefitting from.”
“We must not be deceived again. Mr President must have the votes of the South East up to 90% to cement this relationship,” Umahi added, urging an end to what he called “the politics of hate, misinformation, and sentiments.”
The minister also demanded a retraction and apology from the publishers of the report alleging regional exclusion.
But Umahi maintained that Tinubu has “demonstrated unwavering love and fairness” to the Igbo and should be rewarded with loyalty and support.
“Enough of darkening counsel without knowledge in the South East,” he said.
“We are known for hard work and love, not hate.”
