Umahi Urges Peter Obi to Join Tinubu, Work with South-East Leaders
As the political landscape begins to shift ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has revealed that all five governors from the Southeast region are fully backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He further disclosed plans to host a high-level summit that will bring together Southeast leaders — including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi — to formally endorse Tinubu’s second-term run.
In a feature interview for a forthcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second year in office, Umahi emphasized that the Southeast is experiencing a renewed wave of federal inclusion and developmental projects under Tinubu’s administration.
“Before now, as governor and deputy governor of Ebonyi State, we often lamented the lack of federal presence,” Umahi stated.
“Today, that narrative has changed. Under President Tinubu, Ebonyi alone has no fewer than four active federal projects. That is a testament to his inclusive leadership.”
Highlighting major ongoing infrastructure works in the region — including roads connecting Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, and the Second Niger Bridge — Umahi said the region is seeing historic levels of attention from the federal government.
“The President has already paid 30% of the cost for the Second Niger Bridge, which is a strong signal of commitment,” he added.
Umahi also pointed out that for the first time, the Southeast holds the critical Works Ministry portfolio — a powerful indicator of federal trust and responsibility.
He said this, along with tangible infrastructure investments, counters long-standing concerns about marginalization in the region.
Speaking directly to Peter Obi, Umahi urged him to align with the region’s collective interest. “Leadership is about the people, not ego,” Umahi said. “If someone else is already doing what you wished to do for your people, then support him.
I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us in supporting President Tinubu for the sake of unity and progress in the Southeast.”
According to Umahi, the proposed summit of Southeast leaders will be a platform to solidify regional alignment with Tinubu and ensure that projects vital to the Southeast’s growth are completed without political friction.
On national infrastructure, Umahi also gave updates on several key projects that could redefine Nigeria’s economic future. These include:
- Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Over 80% of Section 1 (Ahmadu Bello Way to Lekki Deep Sea Port) is nearly complete. Section 2 (Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border) is progressing, with 30km already finished and another 10km underway. Umahi announced that tolling for Section 1 will begin in December 2025. “This is more than a road—it’s an economic artery powered by solar lighting and monitored by CCTV.”
- Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway: A long-abandoned plan from the Shehu Shagari era, now revived by President Tinubu. “It’s not just a road — it connects the North to the Atlantic, with immense trade implications,” Umahi said.
- Trans-Saharan Trade Route and Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor: These corridors are expected to boost intra-African trade, create jobs, and reduce transport costs across regions.
He also mentioned the recent flag-off of Sections 3 and 3B of the Coastal Highway, spanning Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
“The excitement in host communities reflects how these projects are reshaping lives,” he said.
In closing, Umahi praised President Tinubu’s vision and resolve, stating: “These aren’t just roads. They are blueprints for Nigeria’s future — bold, transformative, and visionary.
And for the Southeast, aligning with this vision is not just strategic, it is essential.”
Umahi Urges Peter Obi to Join Tinubu, Work with South-East Leaders