The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has called on the South-East to adopt a strategic political approach by strongly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of future elections, declaring that the President would secure victory again.
Umahi made the remarks during an inspection tour of the Enugu–Onitsha federal road project, where he stressed the need for unity and calculated political engagement in the region.
According to the minister, achieving political relevance requires more than rhetoric. “It’s important that our people are strategic. We will not mount the seat of presidency by foul language or mere wish; nobody will give it to us. We have to be strategic,” he said.
He urged South-East voters to rally behind Tinubu regardless of the candidates presented by other political parties. “No matter who has the presidential ticket of other political parties, South-East people must be strategic to support the President,” Umahi added.
The minister further called for overwhelming electoral support from the region, suggesting a target of at least 80 percent of votes for the President. He noted that such a mandate would strengthen the region’s position in national negotiations.
“We should not be aiming to give him anything less than 80 percent. Do that and leave the rest for us. We will boldly go to the negotiation table,” he said.
Umahi also cautioned against political division within the region, warning that fragmented votes could weaken its collective bargaining power. “Let nobody split our votes. Let nobody mislead us,” he stated.
Addressing concerns of marginalization, the minister argued that the narrative was no longer valid, citing his appointment as evidence of increased inclusion. “The marginalization we are talking about is over. For the first time, your son is Minister of Works,” he said.
He concluded by appealing to South-East leaders to actively communicate the achievements of the current administration to the people, insisting that the region must speak with one voice in support of the government.
