Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator Engr. Dave Nweze Umahi has called on Nigerians, particularly from the South East region, not to vote for Mr. Peter Obi who is the current flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and one of the top three contenders for the Presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections.
He made the categorical statement during an interaction with representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
The forum, which also had in attendance the Senior Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement covering the six geopolitical zones of the country, provided an opportunity for speaker after speaker to eulogise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for the massive roads and infrastructural projects being executed around the country.
He challenged other contestants to showcase whatever they have done for the South East to enable a thorough assessment and comparison with the projects and appointments the region has enjoyed under the Tinubu administration.
Umahi harped on the need for Igbo leaders to educate their people on the benefits of supporting the Tinubu administration, especially by casting their votes for him in the forthcoming 2027 Presidential elections.
“I will continue to tell Igbos not to vote for Peter Obi, but to vote for President Bola Tinubu.”
The Minister expressed displeasure at why people who expressed their love for the Tinubu administration and who tend towards his aspiration for a return to office in the 2027 elections are being attacked and insulted in the region. He wondered how it will be received if Obi and his party are paid in similar coin by, for example, disallowing them from campaigning in other regions of the country.
Stressing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a detribalised leader, Umahi argued that the South East region and indeed any other region cannot truthfully claim that it has been marginalised or side-stepped in the provision of infrastructure and roads under this administration.
“Let people come and say, this is what we have done for the people of South-East. Let us put this side by side. We want to be President. Let us know what we have done for the people of South-East,” he said.
He also challenged political actors to engage in debates over their records in public office, saying Nigerians should be able to assess what each political leader had accomplished.
He cited ongoing federal infrastructure projects as part of the reasons he believes the region should support the President.Roads and Infrastructure