Umahi Questions Coalition’s Credibility, Endorses Tinubu’s Second Term Bid

David Umahi, the Minister of Works and former governor of Ebonyi State, has criticized the credibility of the coalition forming against President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 elections. During a Sallah celebration in Abakaliki, Umahi referred to the coalition’s leaders as “faceless” and lacking in credibility.

The coalition, which includes prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, and Salihu Lukman, is working to challenge Tinubu and the APC’s hold on power.

Umahi argued that Tinubu’s record in office, particularly his efforts at national integration and development, justifies his return to office in 2027. “Before now, many South-East states had no federal projects. Today, the federal presence is visible across the region. That is what true national integration looks like,” Umahi stated.

He highlighted Tinubu’s appointments of South-East natives to key government positions, including his own role as Minister of Works, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Minister of Science and Technology, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusion.

“We lost political ground in the past, but this government is bringing us back. It’s not yet perfect, but we are no longer left behind. We must acknowledge that and support the President,” Umahi said.

Urging the South-East to unite and support Tinubu, Umahi warned against divisive rhetoric and called for constructive engagement with the federal government. “The South-East must count one before counting two. We need reintegration, not isolation. President Tinubu has started this process—we must not waste the opportunity,” he emphasized.

Umahi also praised Tinubu’s efforts to foster national unity and religious harmony, citing the President’s leadership of a Nigerian delegation to the Vatican for the Pope’s inauguration as a historic and unifying gesture.