Minister of Works David Umahi has urged people of Ebonyi State not to support the presidential ambition of Peter Obi, saying the people of the state have the right to make their own political decisions.
Umahi made the remarks in a video circulating online while addressing the controversy surrounding Ebonyi leaders who have publicly declared that they would not support Obi in the 2027 presidential election.
The former Ebonyi State governor also questioned Obi’s record of appointments during his time as governor of Anambra State.
“Peter Obi should mention one Ebonyi person that he gave an appointment to when he was governor of Anambra,” Umahi said.
He also criticised what he described as selective appeals to South-East unity, arguing that Ebonyi people are often described as part of a united South-East when their votes are needed but are treated differently when they express political disagreements.
“It’s only when it comes to votes that they say we Ebonyi people are one with other states in the South East. But when it comes to insulting us, they insult us,” he said.
Umahi further questioned why Ebonyi people should face criticism simply because they have decided not to support Obi.
“Because we say we won’t vote for him and we tell our people not to vote for him, you’re insulting us?” he asked.
The minister maintained that Ebonyi people should not be regarded as inferior within the Igbo community and should be allowed to determine what they believe is best for the state.
“We’re not second-class citizens in Igbo land. We have a right to decide what will be good for our people,” Umahi said.
Umahi also linked his position to his views on political zoning, saying he believes political offices should follow an established rotation.
He argued that just as he believes it is not yet the turn of the South-East to produce Nigeria’s president, it is also not the turn of Ebonyi South Senatorial District to produce the next governor of Ebonyi State.
The minister’s remarks come amid increasing political activity and disagreements within the South-East ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with different political figures and groups expressing varying positions on Obi’s candidacy and the region’s political direction.
