Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the Southeast should wait for its turn in Nigeria’s power rotation, insisting that the region cannot produce the president in 2027.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Umahi explained that President Bola Tinubu, who represents the southern bloc, must be allowed to complete his two terms before any other southern zone, including the Southeast, seeks the position.
He recalled that before the 2023 election, southern governors had agreed that the next president should come from the South, regardless of political party. According to him, Tinubu’s victory fulfilled that agreement, making it unfair for the Southeast to demand the presidency now.
“It’s not yet our turn. The South already has the presidency. After President Tinubu’s tenure ends, the Southeast can rightfully contest,” Umahi stated.
The minister admitted that the Southeast had experienced neglect in the past but maintained that Tinubu’s administration is addressing that through massive infrastructure investments across the region.
He listed several major road and bridge projects, including those linking Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, and Port Harcourt, noting that the federal government has committed hundreds of billions of naira to the region.
Umahi added that while there are some funding delays, contractors have been encouraged to continue work.
He further stressed that the region should appreciate the current administration’s efforts and wait for the right political timing.
“The president is treating every part of the country fairly,” Umahi said. “The Southeast’s time will come, and when it does, we’ll be ready.”
