President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Enugu State has been hailed as a strategic step to bolster his administration’s relationship with the South-East region, a move that may enhance his chances in the 2027 general elections.
A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, praised the President for prioritizing the region’s development during his working visit on Saturday. Okechukwu believes that Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the South-East’s infrastructure deficits and attracting investors could significantly influence voter sentiment in the region.
During his visit, President Tinubu commissioned several projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah, including smart green schools, completed primary health centers, and major road projects. These projects, alongside a high-level meeting with South-East stakeholders, marked the President’s first official engagement in the region since assuming office.
In his remarks, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to nation-building, highlighting the necessity of subsidy removal to safeguard future generations. Among his key pledges was the development of the Anambra Basin, which is estimated to hold significant reserves of oil and gas.
He also reiterated his commitment to completing the Eastern Rail Line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, part of a broader initiative to modernize the region’s transport infrastructure.
Reacting to the visit, Osita Okechukwu lauded the President’s approach, describing it as a tripartite opportunity for assessing the region’s infrastructure needs, engaging with South-East leadership, and pledging critical infrastructure projects, including a standard gauge railway, gas pipelines, and enhanced security measures.
Okechukwu stated that these pledges, coupled with their implementation, are pivotal for both development and boosting the President’s electoral fortunes in the South-East for the 2027 presidential elections.
The South-East geopolitical zone delivered the least votes for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, making his visit a significant outreach effort. Okechukwu commended the President for taking the initiative to engage directly with the region’s stakeholders, setting the stage for meaningful progress.
President Tinubu’s commitments reflect his administration’s focus on fostering inclusivity and addressing long-standing regional disparities, signaling a new chapter in South-East relations ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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