The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, cannot win the 2027 presidential election, arguing that growing political awareness in the South-East could reduce his support in the region.
Umahi made the statement on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a report from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) following its nationwide inspection tour of federal roads.
The minister called on leaders in the South-East to educate residents about what he described as the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the region.
“The more we educate our people, the less votes Peter Obi will get. Peter Obi cannot win in 2027. It is important for the leaders of the South-East to be bold, vocal and speak to our people, the Igbos, about what President Tinubu has done and is doing for the Igbos,” he said.
Umahi also commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for publicly supporting President Tinubu, stressing that those backing the president should be free to make their political choices without facing abuse.
“I support the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, for his boldness in supporting the President. People should stop insulting supporters of the President; people should be allowed to support him,” he said.
He further claimed that the Tinubu administration had surpassed previous governments in its level of appointments, inclusion and infrastructure projects targeted at the South-East.
“No other President has done what President Tinubu has done for the South-East, whether by appointment, inclusion or projects,” Umahi said, adding that infrastructure such as roads and bridges remains critical to economic development.
On financing for major infrastructure projects, Umahi explained that the Federal Government would contribute 30 per cent of the required funding, with the remaining amount obtained through loans that would be repaid from toll revenues.
“The Federal Government is providing 30 per cent of the funds and the remaining balance is from loans which will be payable by tolling,” he said.
The minister also raised concerns over alleged vandalism and dangerous driving along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, accusing some individuals of removing road demarcation materials and manhole covers while motorists drive at excessive speeds.
“People cut the iron we used for demarcation, remove manhole covers and even overspeed. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Earlier, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, disclosed that the North-West phase of the students’ road inspection covered Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna and Sokoto States.
He said the delegation inspected the Kano-Maiduguri, Kano-Katsina, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano, Mando-Birnin Gwari, Sokoto-Badagry and Illela-Dukamaje roads, which provide connections to more than 10 tertiary institutions.
Afeez said NANS was impressed by the extent, quality and speed of construction work witnessed during the exercise, but called for a pedestrian bridge at the Federal Co-operative College, Kaduna, to enhance the safety of students.
