Senator Dave Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has called on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in a feature interview for a State House documentary commemorating President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, Umahi emphasized the strong support Tinubu has received from governors in the Southeast. He praised the President for what he described as renewed federal attention to the region, citing key infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he revealed will begin tolling operations in December.
“The Igbo man is naturally enterprising and full of wisdom,” Umahi said. “What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness—a Nigeria that treats all regions equally. That’s exactly what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is delivering.”
Reflecting on his tenure as governor and deputy governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi said a major concern had been the lack of federal presence. “But today, that complaint is no longer valid. Under President Tinubu, there are at least four major federal projects ongoing in Ebonyi State,” he said.
Umahi pointed to the transformation in infrastructure across the Southeast, listing projects such as the Port Harcourt–Enugu Road, Enugu–Abakaliki Road, Enugu–Onitsha Road, Onitsha–Owerri Road, and the Second Niger Bridge. He noted that Tinubu has already paid 30 percent of the cost for the bridge’s construction.
“For the first time, the Southeast has produced a Minister of Works, and we’re seeing tangible progress. Issues of marginalization are being addressed seriously. All Southeast governors, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the President,” he added.
The Minister also revealed plans for a summit where Southeast leaders would officially endorse President Tinubu for re-election in 2027, aiming to secure continued federal support and full integration of the region into national development.
Appealing directly to Peter Obi, Umahi said: “Leadership is not about personal ambition—it’s about the people. If someone else is already achieving what you hoped to accomplish for your people, then support that person. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President.”
He concluded, “Peter Obi must be part of the summit where we will endorse President Tinubu. I say it boldly—the Southeast is happy with the President.”
