Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, Senator David Umahi, has urged the Southeast region to deliver at least 90% of its votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, stating that such overwhelming support is essential if the region hopes to produce Nigeria’s president in the future.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that during the last election in 2023, Labour Party candidate Peter Obi got overwhelming support across all states in the region.
The former governor is expected to contest again in 2027.
However, in a statement, Umahi argued that political realism, not sentiment, must guide the Southeast’s ambitions, warning against what he called “darkening counsel without knowledge” aimed at misleading the Igbo populace into expecting a Southeast presidency in 2027.
“We must not be deceived again,” Umahi stated. “The President must have the votes of the Southeast up to 90% to cement this relationship. Enough of darkening counsel without knowledge in the Southeast. We must rise to educate our people.”
He emphasised that President Tinubu has shown “unwavering love and fairness” toward the Southeast, and called on the region to reciprocate by backing his reelection.
“If we want to be President, we must avoid the politics of hate, misinformation, and sentiments,” he continued. “We must support other regions, and with God, one day, other regions will support us. Mr. President must be supported to complete his tenure of eight years, which all regions are benefitting from. One day, we will be number one—but not in 2027.”
Umahi also praised the Southeast Governors for their performance and alignment with the federal government’s agenda. He urged the people of the region to support both President Tinubu and the governors in their bids for second terms, describing them as “leaders doing great work for our people.”