Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has declared that all governors from Nigeria’s Southeast region—regardless of party affiliation—are united in their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, made the declaration during an interview for a special documentary commemorating the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration. He also revealed plans for a regional summit to officially endorse the president for a second term.
“This summit will reflect the collective support of Southeast governors for President Tinubu,” he stated. “Leadership is not about self—it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support them.”
He extended a call to Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, to join the effort and attend the upcoming summit.
Despite Tinubu’s poor showing in the Southeast during the 2023 presidential election—where Obi dominated the region—Umahi said the president has since won over leaders through inclusiveness and development-focused governance.
“The Southeast is experiencing unprecedented federal presence,” Umahi said. “We now have a Minister of Works from the region, and major road projects like the Second Niger Bridge, the Enugu–Abakaliki and Onitsha–Owerri highways are actively ongoing.”
He disclosed that the Tinubu administration has already paid 30% of the cost of the Second Niger Bridge, a longstanding demand of the region.
In addition to road projects, Umahi highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that over 80% of Section 1 is complete, with toll collection scheduled to begin in December. He described the six-lane highway—with solar-powered lights and CCTV—as a “corridor of growth.”
The minister also praised other federal projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, emphasizing their economic and historical significance.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, also threw his weight behind President Tinubu, saying his performance in office has earned him the support of all Nigerians. “It is imperative we support the President,” Eno said after a visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja.
Though only two of the Southeast governors—Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi)—are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Umahi noted that others are also supportive. He cited Anambra’s Charles Soludo (APGA) as having publicly endorsed Tinubu and described Enugu’s Peter Mbah (PDP) as an admirer of the president.
The proposed Southeast summit, Umahi said, will deepen national unity and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure. “The Igbo man wants fairness and opportunity,” he added. “And that is what Mr. President is delivering.”
