As political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has revealed that all five governors in the South-East region are working in support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his potential re-election bid.

In a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second year in office, Senator Umahi disclosed plans for a South-East leadership summit, which will bring together political stakeholders including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi to formally endorse President Tinubu.

According to Umahi, the South-East is currently experiencing a renewed wave of federal presence, especially in infrastructure development, under Tinubu’s leadership.

“The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with divine wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness and equity across all regions. That is exactly what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is delivering,” Umahi stated.

Citing developments in Ebonyi State, Umahi said four federal projects are currently underway in the state alone, a sharp contrast from the past when lack of federal presence was a major concern. He further noted ongoing works on major infrastructure projects such as the Port Harcourt–Enugu Road, Enugu–Abakaliki Road, Enugu–Onitsha Road, Onitsha–Owerri Road, and the Second Niger Bridge.

“All South-East governors, regardless of party, are working with the President. We are united in our desire to see these projects completed, to strengthen Nigeria’s unity, and ensure the full integration of Ndi Igbo,” he added.

Umahi, who is the first South-Easterner to serve as Minister of Works, emphasized that President Tinubu has already paid 30% of the cost of the Second Niger Bridge and has shown consistent commitment to regional development.

He therefore called on opposition figures from the region, particularly Mr. Peter Obi, to join hands with the President for the greater good of the South-East.

“Leadership isn’t about personal ambition it’s about service to the people. If someone else is doing what you hoped to do for your people, support him. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us. He must be part of the summit where we’ll collectively endorse President Tinubu for 2027. The South-East is happy with the President.”

Updates on National Infrastructure Projects

Senator Umahi also provided detailed updates on several national infrastructure projects currently being executed under the Tinubu administration. These include:

  • The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Over 80% of Section 1 (47.47 km from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, terminating at Eleko Junction) has been completed. Section 2 (55 km from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border) is also progressing. Umahi announced plans to begin tolling Section 1 by December, projecting a 10-year return on investment.

“This is more than just a road it is an economic corridor, equipped with solar lighting, CCTV infrastructure, and carbon credit benefits,” he said.

  • Sections 3 and 3B a total of 65 kilometres across Cross River and Akwa Ibom states—have also been flagged off, drawing excitement from host communities.

  • The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway: Originally conceptualized during the Shehu Shagari era, this route is being revived under Tinubu’s leadership to strengthen north-south connectivity.

  • The Trans-Saharan Trade Route and Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor: Also in the works, these projects aim to deepen regional integration and unlock economic opportunities.

“These are legacy projects. President Tinubu is bringing to life development visions that have been on paper for decades. God gave him the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago now he is bringing it to reality,” Umahi concluded.

He emphasized that the projects are not only economically viable and environmentally sustainable, but are also vital for Nigeria’s long-term development.