Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged residents of the South-East to massively support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, warning that the continuation of major federal infrastructure projects in the region could depend on such backing.
Umahi made the remarks on Wednesday during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Ebonyi State, where he described the current level of federal investment in the South-East as unprecedented.
Among the projects inspected was the ongoing Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, which the minister described as one of the Tinubu administration’s flagship legacy projects.
According to Umahi, the section stretching from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Ebonyi–Benue boundary spans approximately 123 kilometres and is being constructed with reinforced concrete pavement and solar-powered streetlights at an estimated cost of N454 billion.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had already released 50 per cent of the project funding, while approvals were being finalised for the dualisation of critical sections of the highway.
The minister further revealed that the second section of the corridor, extending about 178 kilometres from the Ebonyi–Benue boundary through Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states to Oweto Bridge, carries a contract value of N685 billion.
While acknowledging funding challenges faced by contractors, Umahi assured that the Federal Government remained committed to fulfilling its obligations.
“The President has assured us that all contractors owed will be paid. Today, there is hardly any state in Nigeria without a construction site under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
The former Ebonyi governor argued that communities benefitting from federal projects should reciprocate with political support for the President in the next election cycle.
“Last time, Afikpo people did not vote for APC. If they want this bridge completed, I will require 100 per cent of the votes. I am not asking for 99 per cent,” Umahi declared.
He maintained that projects of such scale could only be achieved through strong federal backing.
“Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can build these roads and bridges. Past politicians used this bridge as campaign promises, but this President came and started the work without making noise about it,” he added.
Umahi also stated that the South-East had gained greater political relevance under the current administration, pointing to his appointment as Minister of Works and the spread of federal projects across the region.
“We shouted marginalisation before, but today no ministry is bigger than the Ministry of Works, and it is being headed by an Igbo man. The President has integrated the South-East into the mainstream of Nigerian politics,” he said.
The minister called on political leaders in the region to openly support the President and sensitise residents to what he described as the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and youth empowerment.
“I challenge all leaders supporting the President to speak out openly. Our people need to hear the truth about what this administration is doing in the South-East,” he stated.
Umahi expressed confidence that substantial portions of the projects would be completed before the end of the year, while insisting that the South-East should avoid “sentimental politics” ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This election is not lottery. Presidency is not won by sentiments but by strategic planning. We must support the President to complete these projects and secure greater opportunities for the South-East,” he said.
He further declared that Ebonyi State would deliver overwhelming support for Tinubu in the next presidential election.
“We will shock the nation in Ebonyi State because we will deliver 95 per cent of our votes to President Tinubu. The last election outcome was an accident of history and it will not repeat itself,” Umahi stated.
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