2027: Umahi Warns South-East to Endorse Tinubu or Face Possible Loss of Federal Funding

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on the South-East to give its full backing to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, cautioning that a lack of support could put the region's major federal infrastructure projects at risk.

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Umahi made this statement on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Ebonyi State, describing the projects as unparalleled in the history of the South-East.

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The minister highlighted that no previous administration had invested as heavily in the region's infrastructure, with projects like the Calabar-Ebonyi–Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway being a key part of the administration's legacy.

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This particular project, which spans from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary, covers approximately 123 kilometres and features reinforced concrete pavement and solar-powered streetlights, with an estimated cost of N454 billion.

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The Federal Government has already released 50 percent of the funding for this project, and approvals are currently being processed for the dualisation of critical sections of the route.

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Umahi noted that the second section of the corridor, which stretches around 178 kilometres from the Ebonyi–Benue boundary through Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states to Oweto Bridge, has a contract value of N685 billion.

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Despite acknowledging the funding challenges faced by contractors, the minister emphasized that the Federal Government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations, with the President assuring that all owed contractors will be paid.

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Umahi stated that communities benefiting from federal projects should show their appreciation by supporting Tinubu in the next election, citing the example of Afikpo, where he expects 100 percent of the votes in order to complete a bridge project.

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He argued that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can undertake projects of such magnitude, and that past politicians had merely used these projects as campaign promises without taking action.

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Umahi pointed out that the South-East has regained its relevance in national politics under the current administration, citing his own appointment as Minister of Works and the scale of projects across the region.

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The minister urged political leaders in the region to publicly endorse the President and inform residents about the administration's achievements, challenging them to speak out openly in support of the President.

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Umahi predicted that significant portions of the project will be completed before the end of the year and appealed to South-East voters to make informed decisions during the 2027 elections, rather than being swayed by sentiment.

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He emphasized that the presidency is not won by sentiment, but by strategic planning, and that supporting the President is crucial to completing these projects and securing greater opportunities for the South-East.

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Umahi insisted that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated its commitment to infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, and expressed confidence that the South-East will deliver 95 percent of its votes to President Tinubu in the next election.