Minister of Works, David Umahi
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has advised the South-East region to shelve its presidential ambitions—for now.
According to him, it is not yet the region’s turn to lead Nigeria, as President Bola Tinubu deserves to complete his constitutionally-allowed eight years in office.
Speaking in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Umahi emphasized that political rotation must be guided by fairness and consistency—not sentiment.
> “No, it is not our time; it is not the time of the South-East yet,” Umahi declared.
“We, the 17 southern governors, met in Asaba before the 2023 elections and agreed that the presidency should come to the South. All of us tried, but the crown went to President Tinubu.”
“ *Tinubu’s Victory Is a Win for the South — Let Him Finish”*
The minister stressed that since Tinubu, a southerner, won the mandate, it would be unfair for the South-East to begin agitating for power in 2027.
> “He has to finish the eight years. The eight years he’s doing is for all of us — both North and South,” he said.
“When he finishes in 2031, then the South-East can put itself forward. We’ve never had the chance, and our time will come.”
He noted that when equity is properly observed, the principle of rotation becomes meaningful and effective.
> “The North-East can also rightfully contest in 2031, having also not produced a president. But until then, we must show patience and maturity,” Umahi added.
*Acknowledging the Past, Focusing on the Present*
Umahi did not deny the region’s historical marginalization, acknowledging that the South-East had faced political and infrastructural neglect. He even admitted this played a role in the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s poor showing in the zone during the 2023 elections, where the party secured only 5.85% of votes.
But he stressed that President Tinubu is reversing that trend with major investments in the region.
> “Yes, the South-East might say they haven’t gotten many appointments,” Umahi said.
“But the position of Minister of Works is as powerful as five grade-A ministerial roles combined.”
He backed this up with a rundown of massive federal road and infrastructure projects currently underway in the South-East, funded by the Tinubu administration:
Enugu–Onitsha expressway: ₦350 billion
Second Anambra access road: ₦174 billion
Port Harcourt–Aba Road (86km), Aba–Umuahia dual carriage (56km), and Umuahia–Enugu section (61km)
Enugu–Abakaliki dualisation: ₦183 billion
Ebonyi–Benue boundary road (Trans-Saharan highway): ₦456 billion
Dangote tax credit projects connecting Ebonyi, Abia, and Imo: ₦193 billion
Several bridges, flyovers, and flood-damaged structures across Enugu and surrounding states
> “When I saw roads in Onitsha and Owerri split into two on social media, I immediately dispatched teams to fix them. The president had already awarded that project,” Umahi said.
He urged the South-East to put aside grievances of the past and focus on the tangible progress being made under Tinubu.
> “Let’s emphasise the reality of what is happening now. I can beat my chest about what President Tinubu has done for the South-East,” Umahi said.
> “We should be clapping with our hands and legs for President Tinubu. The appointment as Minister of Works is not just a favour — it’s about using that position to deliver value across Nigeria.”
He concluded by urging Igbo leaders and citizens to be strategic, united, and patient — hinting that the South-East would have its shot at the presidency in due time.
NAN
