Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, Appeals to Peter Obi to Join APC Ahead of 2027 Elections
A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has been urged to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi. Umahi made this appeal while citing the growing support of Southeast governors for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking in a feature interview for a State House documentary commemorating President Tinubu’s second year in office, Senator Umahi emphasized the renewed federal attention being given to the Southeast. He noted that a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is already nearing completion, with tolling expected to commence in December.
“The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo desire is fairness and a Nigeria that treats all zones equally. That is exactly what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing,” Umahi said.
Reflecting on the past, Umahi recalled how the lack of federal presence was once a major concern in Ebonyi State during his tenure as governor and deputy governor. However, he noted that under President Tinubu’s administration, that concern has been significantly addressed. “Today, nobody talks about that anymore. We currently have at least four federal projects ongoing in Ebonyi State.”
He further highlighted that the long-standing cries of marginalisation in the Southeast are being replaced with progress in infrastructure and government appointments.
“For the first time, the South East has a Minister of Works, and we’re witnessing real projects—Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the Second Niger Bridge. The President has already paid 30% of the cost of that bridge,” he said.
Senator Umahi added that all Southeast governors, regardless of political affiliation, are currently working with President Tinubu. He disclosed plans to organize a regional summit to formally endorse the President for re-election in 2027.
“We want our ongoing projects completed, Nigeria’s unity strengthened, and proper integration of Ndi Igbo into the national fabric,” he stated.
Making a passionate appeal, Umahi called on key opposition leaders from the region to join forces with the President for the greater good of the Southeast.
“Leadership is not about self—it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President. He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South East is happy with the President,” Umahi concluded.
