The minister addressed allegations that he had given contracts to people from the Southeast, clarifying that 95% of the projects were inherited from previous administrations. He stressed that performance is key, regardless of regional origin: “If you are not performing, it doesn’t matter who you are.” To prove his transparency, Umahi revealed that he once published a document listing contractors and personally handed it to the president after being accused of favoritism.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Umahi expressed optimism about the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s chances in the Southeast region. While he did not guarantee victory in all five states, he affirmed that President Tinubu would secure significant support across the region. “The President is going to harvest a lot of votes in the Southeast,” he declared, adding that his faith leads him to believe APC will win all five states.
Umahi urged Nigerians to avoid regional politics, calling for unity and cooperation across the country. “We shouldn’t play regional politics because it doesn’t help us. As a region, we should be able to have a handshake across the Niger,” he said, emphasizing national cohesion over sectional interests.
His remarks come amid growing political discussions about the 2027 elections and the APC’s strategy for winning in traditionally opposition-leaning areas. With Umahi’s strong endorsement and focus on national unity, the party may be positioning itself for broader appeal beyond its traditional strongholds. The coming years will test whether this faith in leadership translates into electoral success.
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