By Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has described the Southeast’s ambition to produce a president in 2027 as unrealistic, calling it a “dead end” in the current political climate. He urged political leaders and stakeholders in the region to instead support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose “Emilokan” mandate, he believes, could extend through a second term ending in 2031.
Umahi argued that the strength of incumbency and the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress make it highly unlikely for any serious challenge to succeed against Tinubu in 2027. He stressed that pursuing such a bid without the necessary political structure and national backing could weaken the Southeast’s long-term chances of attaining the presidency.
According to him, a more strategic approach would be for the Southeast to align with the current administration, build stronger political influence within the ruling party, and position itself more effectively for future elections. While his comments have sparked mixed reactions, they highlight ongoing debates about zoning, political realism, and the region’s path to national leadership.
