Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said that all governors from the Southeast, regardless of party affiliation, are united in their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, recognizing his commitment to fairness, national cohesion, and infrastructural development.
Umahi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State, disclosed that plans are underway to convene a regional political summit where Southeast leaders will officially endorse President Tinubu for a second term. Speaking during a government documentary marking Tinubu’s second year in office, Umahi emphasized that the President’s inclusive governance and tangible achievements have earned him broad regional backing.
He also urged prominent Southeast leaders, including former Anambra Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to support Tinubu’s 2027 bid. Although Obi secured over 90% of the Southeast votes in 2023, Umahi called for unity, noting that leadership should prioritize the people’s benefit over personal ambition.
Currently, only two of the Southeast’s five governors are members of the ruling APC: Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi). The remaining states are led by Governor Peter Mbah (PDP, Enugu), Alex Otti (Labour Party, Abia), and Charles Soludo (APGA, Anambra). Soludo recently expressed support for President Tinubu during his visit to Anambra. Though Mbah has not made a formal statement, he is believed to admire the President’s leadership.
President Tinubu is expected to visit Umuahia, Abia State, on Friday, further strengthening federal ties with the region.
Also on Tuesday, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, speaking after meeting Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Tinubu’s performance warrants nationwide support. His remarks echoed Umahi’s statement, which was also shared by Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga.
Highlighting federal efforts in the region, Umahi noted that the Southeast is seeing an unprecedented level of engagement, especially in infrastructure development. Key projects include the Port Harcourt–Enugu, Enugu–Abakaliki, Enugu–Onitsha, and Onitsha–Owerri highways, alongside the Second Niger Bridge, of which Tinubu has already funded 30%.
“For the first time, the Southeast has a Minister of Works—not just symbolically, but strategically,” Umahi said. “These are not promises; they are projects with visible impact.”
Reflecting on past concerns of regional marginalization, Umahi said the Southeast now feels a growing sense of inclusion under Tinubu’s administration. “As governor and deputy governor in Ebonyi, we often lamented the absence of federal presence. That has changed. Today, we have four major federal projects ongoing in our state alone.”
He said Tinubu’s governance style has rekindled optimism and reshaped the region’s sense of national belonging. “The Igbo are naturally industrious; all we ask for is fairness and opportunity—and this administration is delivering that.”
Umahi added that the upcoming summit will reinforce unity, fast-track project execution, and deepen national integration. He called on Peter Obi to join efforts to move the region forward: “If someone is delivering what you intended to do for your people, support them. Let’s stand united behind the President.”
Providing updates on major federal projects, Umahi said 80% of Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway—from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port—has been completed, with tolling to begin in December. He described the road as a “corridor of growth” featuring solar-powered lights, CCTV systems, and potential for carbon credits.
He also mentioned that Sections 3 and 3B of the highway, covering Cross River and Akwa Ibom, have been inaugurated with strong local support. Umahi traced the revival of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway—originally conceived by President Shehu Shagari—as part of Tinubu’s vision to activate long-dormant economic corridors.
Other transformative routes include the Trans-Saharan Trade Route and the Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor, which Umahi described as “legacy projects” critical to Nigeria’s economic future.
He concluded by crediting Tinubu with the original vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, conceived seven years ago: “Now he is bringing that vision to life, demonstrating consistent leadership and a long-term commitment to national development.”