2027: Tinubu will secure re-election – Umahi

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…Says as 15km Enugu–Onitsha Road Opens

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By Jeff Agbodo, Vincent Ujumadu, Dennis Agbo, Enugu

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ENUGU — The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed confidence that Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win re-election in 2027, citing ongoing infrastructure development across the country.

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Umahi spoke while opening a completed 15-kilometre section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway to traffic, noting that the project has significantly reduced travel time along the busy corridor.

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He said the rehabilitation of the road has addressed years of deterioration and long delays experienced by commuters, particularly in the South-East.

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The minister urged governors in the region to highlight and promote the Federal Government’s achievements, as well as mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

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He also called on residents of the South-East to support the President in 2027 to ensure the completion of ongoing projects across the zone.

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Umahi recalled that prior to the current administration, the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway—one of the busiest routes in the region—had suffered prolonged neglect despite being awarded years earlier.

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According to him, the Federal Government intervened by restructuring the contract and introducing reinforced concrete pavement on critical sections to enhance durability.

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He explained that while part of the project remains with the original contractor, a 72-kilometre stretch is being reconstructed using concrete technology designed to last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance.

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The minister disclosed that the total cost of the project has risen to over ₦350 billion, covering both the existing contract and newly reviewed sections.

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He added that the first 15 kilometres of the concrete pavement is nearly completed and has been opened to ease traffic ahead of the Easter season.

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Umahi further stated that other sections of the road, including stretches of 18 kilometres and 39 kilometres, are at various stages of completion, with directives issued to ensure uniform construction standards.

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He commended Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure in the South-East, noting that several major road projects are ongoing, including key routes linking Enugu, Abakaliki, Aba, Port Harcourt and Onitsha, as well as access roads to the Second Niger Bridge.

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The minister also highlighted broader federal projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, describing them as critical to improving connectivity nationwide.

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While acknowledging concerns about unfinished sections, Umahi assured that work is ongoing and urged Nigerians to verify progress on-site.

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He expressed optimism that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway project would be fully completed by 2026, describing it as a transformative development expected to boost economic activities, enhance safety, and further reduce travel time in the region.

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