Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has urged people of the South-East and Nigerians at large to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, saying the region should not take what he described as a political “risk.”
Umahi made the appeal while inspecting sections of the Cross River–Abuja Legacy Highway and the Trans-Sahara Highway project, where he praised the Tinubu administration for ongoing infrastructure development, particularly in the South-East.
The former Ebonyi State governor said he has no regrets supporting President Tinubu despite criticisms from some people who believe he should be backing former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
“I am not attacking Peter Obi. I am asking people in the South-East and Nigeria not to vote for him but to vote for President Bola Tinubu… and I have my facts,” Umahi said.
According to the minister, the current administration has initiated major road projects across the country, especially in the South-East, adding that Tinubu has changed the narrative of infrastructural development in the region.
Umahi argued that re-electing the President would ensure the completion of ongoing projects, warning that a change in government could lead to delays or abandoned contracts.
“In the second tenure of Mr. President, let us not take risks. Under President Tinubu, there will be no abandoned project. All these legacy projects will be completed,” he stated.
He cited the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as one of the administration’s success stories, revealing that the project is expected to be completed by December, with solar streetlights, tree planting and reinforced concrete pavement.
The minister also disclosed that tolling would be introduced on the road to generate funds for maintenance and provide security patrols along the highway.
Umahi further revealed that Section One of the Cross River–Abuja Legacy Highway, covering about 125 kilometres, is nearing completion, while Section Two, stretching approximately 168 kilometres through Ebonyi, Benue, Enugu and Kogi States, has already been mobilised after the Federal Government paid 30 per cent mobilisation to the contractor.
He added that contractors have been directed to employ more local workers to ensure host communities benefit economically from the projects.
