According to a report by PUNCH Newspaper, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged the South-East region to adopt a more strategic and pragmatic political approach if it hopes to secure the presidency in future elections. Speaking during the commissioning of the first 15-kilometre stretch of the reconstructed Enugu–Abakpa–9th Mile–Onitsha highway, Umahi cautioned that insults, social media criticism, and mere aspirations would not translate into political power.
He emphasized the need for calculated alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on the South-East to support the re-election bid of Bola Tinubu. According to him, political success in Nigeria requires cooperation and long-term planning rather than confrontation.
Umahi framed his argument around the concept of rotational leadership, referencing the “Emilokan” principle associated with Tinubu’s presidency. He suggested that backing the current administration could strengthen the South-East’s chances of receiving reciprocal support from the South-West in the future, particularly after 2031.
He said; “In 2023, we gave that right to a Southern president, President Bola. The ‘Emilokan’ will be over in 2031. When it is our turn, they [Southwest] will also vote for us. That is how to be strategic.”
Responding to criticism, especially from social media, the minister dismissed attacks against him and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating what he described as a wiser political path for the region. He maintained that he would continue to speak out, regardless of opposition.
On the issue of marginalization, Umahi argued that the narrative no longer holds under the current administration. He pointed to his own appointment as minister and the inclusion of individuals from the South-East in key national security positions as evidence of increased representation….See More
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