Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a passionate appeal to the Southeast: deliver at least 90% of your votes to President Bola Tinubu in 2027 — or forget any realistic hope of producing a Nigerian president in the near future.

Speaking  during a recent engagement, the former Ebonyi State governor and key Tinubu ally stressed that only genuine political loyalty, not emotions or “empty noise,” will pave the way for the emergence of an Igbo president.

“We must not be deceived again,” Umahi declared. “If we want to lead this country, we must first show that we can support others. It’s time to stop darkening counsel without knowledge.”

Taking a swipe at supporters of Peter Obi and other opposition voices, Umahi urged the Southeast to ditch sentiments and embrace political realism, arguing that consistent alignment with national politics is the only viable strategy.

 “President Tinubu has shown unwavering love and fairness to the Southeast. The least we can do is rally behind him,” he said.

Amid recent claims of marginalisation in road infrastructure projects, Umahi defended the Tinubu administration’s commitment to equity and national development. He maintained that the Southeast is already benefiting from Tinubu’s presidency — and stands to gain even more by staying the course.

 “Let us not be swayed by hate, misinformation, or emotional politics. All zones are benefitting from Tinubu’s presidency. We must support him to finish his eight years. One day, it will be our turn — but not in 2027.”

The minister also praised the performance and cooperation of Southeast governors, urging the people to re-elect them for continuity.

 “Our governors are doing great work and aligning with the federal government’s vision. Let us give them the support they deserve.”

Umahi’s remarks add to the growing political recalibration within the Southeast as the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins in earnest.

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Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has officially declared his intention to seek re-election for a second term in office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Oyebanji made the announcement on Monday during a meeting with members of the APC State Working Committee at the party’s secretariat in Ado-Ekiti.

The governor’s declaration marks the beginning of his re-election campaign ahead of the 2026 governorship polls, as he seeks to consolidate on his first-term achievements.

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi has reiterated his commitment to serving only a single four-year term if elected President in 2027.

Obi emphasised that effective leadership should be evaluated by its impact and accountability, rather than the length of time spent in office.

In a statement shared on his X account, Obi referenced historical leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, who left significant legacies despite serving shorter terms.

He expressed that purposeful leadership, not longevity, is what truly defines a statesman. “Forty-eight months is sufficient for any leader who is focused and ready to make a meaningful difference. I do not intend to stay a day longer,” Obi stated.

Obi also noted that history demonstrates that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to become corrupted by it.

Currently, Obi plays a pivotal role in the newly formed opposition coalition, which has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. While he has yet to declare whether he will run under the ADC or remain with the Labour Party, he has not formally resigned from the LP.

If elected, Obi outlined his administration’s priorities, which will include restoring integrity to governance, combating insecurity, improving education and healthcare, supporting small businesses, and transforming Nigeria into a production-driven economy focused on agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.

He reaffirmed that his pledge to serve only one term is “sacrosanct.”