By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has urged the Southeast to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, saying that only South East region can not make Peter Obi President, calling on Ndigbo to embrace more strategic politics in order to get right.
Speaking on Friday while inspecting the Ebonyi section of the Cross River–Abuja Super Highway, Umahi said the Southeast was benefiting from unprecedented federal infrastructure projects under the Tinubu administration, stressing that no previous government had matched the current level of investment in the region.
He noted that the ongoing road projects were improving connectivity, creating jobs and stimulating economic activities through increased demand for construction materials, transportation and other support services.
Referring to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Umahi said the former Anambra State governor was contesting for the presidency of Nigeria and not that of the Southeast, adding that the region’s votes alone could not determine the outcome of a presidential election.
“Our brother, Peter Obi, is contesting for the presidency of the entire country, not the presidency of the Southeast. The voice of the Southeast alone cannot produce a president,” he said, while urging political leaders and residents to avoid divisive politics and insults.
The minister defended the Federal Government’s borrowing policy, saying loans were being invested in critical infrastructure rather than recurrent expenditure, and described the adoption of reinforced concrete pavement as a strategy to promote durability and boost local industries, particularly cement manufacturing.
Umahi disclosed that Section One of the Cross River–Abuja Legacy Highway, covering about 125 kilometres, was nearing completion, while Section Two, spanning about 168 kilometres across Ebonyi, Benue, Enugu and Kogi states, had been mobilised following the payment of 30 per cent mobilisation to the contractor.
He said the completed highway would significantly reduce travel time between the Southeast and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that contractors had been directed to employ more local workers to maximise economic benefits for host communities.
The minister also expressed confidence that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway would be completed by December with solar-powered streetlights, landscaping and tolling facilities.
Umahi commended the Ebonyi State Government for its cooperation on land acquisition and compensation for the highway project and disclosed that compensation payments would begin after the ongoing verification process.
He also dismissed allegations that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway alignment was altered to favour private interests, explaining that engineering and geotechnical studies informed the final route.
