Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared that the South-East is not the political stronghold of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, insisting that the region will overwhelmingly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Umahi made the remarks on Friday while inspecting ongoing Federal Government road projects in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The minister dismissed claims that Peter Obi remains the dominant political force in the South-East, describing suggestions of threats to Obi’s life ahead of the 2027 elections as unfounded.
According to him, no one is after the former Anambra State governor, adding that the Tinubu administration would rather have him participate in the election.
Responding to criticisms of the Federal Government, Umahi said he would continue to defend President Tinubu’s administration, particularly on infrastructure development, stressing that the government’s achievements speak louder than political rhetoric.
He described allegations of a conspiracy against Obi as attempts to gain public sympathy, maintaining that the administration’s performance remains its strongest campaign tool.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government is strengthening security along major highways through the deployment of surveillance cameras, observation centres and enhanced patrol operations to improve safety and support economic activities.
Umahi further revealed that the Federal Executive Council recently approved road projects worth more than ₦248 billion for Ebonyi State. The projects include the dualisation of sections of the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Road, the Onueke-Ezza road corridor, and drainage and retaining wall works along the Okposi-Amasiri Road.
He said work on the newly approved projects is expected to commence before the middle of August.
The minister commended contractors handling ongoing projects in the state, including the Onueke Flyover and the Legacy Road Project, for maintaining steady progress despite delays in government payments.
According to him, over 60 percent of the Onueke Flyover has been completed, while the 125-kilometre Legacy Road linking Ebonyi to the Benue boundary is progressing satisfactorily.
Umahi maintained that the Tinubu administration has made unprecedented investments in road infrastructure across the South-East, arguing that ongoing federal projects have significantly addressed concerns about marginalisation in the region.
He listed major ongoing projects across the South-East, including the Enugu-Onitsha, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Aba-Port Harcourt and Owerri-Onitsha highways, as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to regional development.
