Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has declared that the South-East has no presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, dismissing the presidential ambition of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.
Umahi made the remarks in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, during a town hall meeting organised by the Directorate of Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council.
The minister questioned Obi’s political credentials, insisting that the former Anambra governor was not more qualified than several other prominent politicians from the South-East, including himself.
Umahi, who described himself as the “Lion of the South-East,” also mentioned former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim; former Minister of Education, Sam Egwu; and former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Chief Elias Mbam.
“Who is Peter Obi better than? Who is he better than? Is he better than Sam Egwu? Is he better than Elias Mbam? Is he better than the Lion of the South-East, myself? Is he better than Anyim Pius?” Umahi asked.
He insisted that the South-East did not have a consensus presidential candidate, arguing that while some individuals from the region were aspiring to the presidency, the region should take a more strategic approach to national politics.
“We don’t have any presidential candidate in the South-East. We have people who are vying,” he stated.
Umahi urged the people of the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, arguing that backing the President would strategically position the region for future political opportunities.
According to him, the South-East needed “wisdom” rather than sentiments in making its political decisions.
The minister also appealed to traditional and religious leaders in the region to take a clear position rather than remain neutral.
“I want to tell our religious leaders and Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, do not stay on the fence,” he said.
Umahi maintained that the South-East had become more integrated into the country’s political structure, citing appointments of people from the region into key government positions and ongoing infrastructure projects.
He further warned against attacking or insulting South-East leaders who choose not to support Obi, saying political differences should not result in hostility.
The former Ebonyi governor also expressed confidence that the APC would perform strongly in the state during the 2027 elections.
Umahi said Ebonyi had about 1.8 million registered voters and declared that he was targeting 1.3 million votes for President Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru.
“If we are not donating 1.3 million votes for the President, for the Governor, we are doing ourselves a disservice,” he said.
He also vowed to work towards ensuring that the APC retains control of Ebonyi State, dismissing the chances of opposition parties taking over the governorship.
