Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Dave Umahi, says the South-East geopolitical zone is fully in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will work to ensure his re-election in 2027.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Friday, July 4, 2025, Umahi dismissed speculations that Igbo support for Tinubu was conditional, especially regarding the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“Someone asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his case is not a condition for our support,” Umahi stated.
He emphasized that while people from the region want Kanu released, it should not be used as a bargaining chip.
“We are willing to negotiate his release, but it’s not a condition. The President didn’t put him there,” he said.
Umahi described President Tinubu as a listening and reform-driven leader, who inherited a weak economy and is now restoring global investor confidence.
“He may not be perfect, but he’s doing most things right. The international community is backing our reforms,” he added.
The minister cited several infrastructure projects underway across the South-East under Tinubu’s administration, including federal road rehabilitations long neglected by previous governments.
“Let those who criticize him show us what they have done for the country,” Umahi challenged.
He also rejected the claim that the South-East is being sidelined in federal appointments.
“President Tinubu has done more for our region than many of his predecessors. The facts are there,” he said.
According to Umahi, governors across the South-East regardless of party affiliation are working closely with Tinubu to deliver development to their people.
“There’s unity in leadership now. Even governors from other parties are cooperating with the President,” he noted.
In a move to clear the air about his own political ambition, Umahi firmly ruled out any plans to run for president in 2027.
“I won’t run. I’ll work for my boss, President Tinubu,” he declared.
Umahi added that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the best platform for the South-East to gain political relevance and access to national development.
“APC is the path to achieving what we want. The South-East now has a voice at the centre.
We won’t return to Egypt,” he said, referencing biblical imagery to stress political progress.
His comments come at a time when Nigeria’s opposition parties are reportedly exploring coalitions to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
However, Umahi confidently dismissed such moves as distractions, reiterating the South-East’s commitment to Tinubu’s presidency.