FULL SPEECH: Why Tinubu 'll win 80% votes in South East - Dave Umahi

Minister for Works Engr David Umahi has beat his chest to announce that he was sure President Bola Tinubu will the 2027 Presidential election secure no less than 80 percent of votes in the south east states.

Umahi said he was sure of Tinubu's victory based on the enormous infrastructure the administration has put in place in the region which had in years past cried of lack of absence of strategic infrastructure such as roads within the region.

The Minister spoke, on Thursday, at the Onyeama hills section of the Enugu-Ontisha expressway way when he opened the concrete pavement flank of the road for commuters' use during the Easter season.

He stressed that even though works are still ongoing in different sections of the 109 kilometers road, it was opened to ease traffic during the Easter celebration.

Here is Umahi's full speech on the many projects President Tinubu have executed with many he disclosed are still ongoing, progressively.

Umahi said: "My dear brothers and sisters, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is reconstructing roads and infrastructure across the South-East, and this marks a new chapter of development for our region.

When we came on board in 2023, it took over seven hours to travel from Enugu to Onitsha. You are all witnesses to the terrible state of this very important road—the most critical route in the South-East.

We inherited this project under a tax credit scheme, but it had stalled for years. I had to cry out to Mr. President, and he not only intervened but directed that at least 50% of this road should meet the standard of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

On the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

This project was originally valued at ₦202 billion, but we reviewed it. Today One section remains at ₦202 billion, another 72km is being constructed with reinforced concrete at ₦150 billion. That brings the total to ₦352 billion. Let me tell you: it takes courage to do what this President is doing. The first 15km of reinforced concrete is already about 97% completed. Mr. President directed me to open this section so that our people will not suffer during Easter.

We are also working on: An 18km section toward Anambra, a 39km section from the bridge axis; additional sections being upgraded to concrete. At the end of this project, at least 50% of this road will be concrete. Asphalt fails over time, but concrete lasts between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance. By the grace of God, this project will be completed in 2026.

Other Key Projects in the South-East:

This is not the only project. We have the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which also connects parts of the South-East. We also have the 465km Calabar–Abuja highway. From Enugu, Abia, or Ebonyi, you will be able to connect to Abuja in less than four hours. The South-East section alone is 123km and costs ₦454 billion.

We have Afikpo–Uturu–Okigwe Road (64km) nearing completion; Aba road projects progressing steadily. The Second Niger Bridge bypass (17.5km) under construction. Enugu–Abakaliki dualization ongoing, Multiple sections of Enugu–Port Harcourt road nearing completion. We also have one of the biggest flyovers in Nigeria at Eke Obinagu in Enugu, which is almost completed.

The collapsed bridges at New Artisan were reconstructed within nine months and are now equipped with solar lights. All these are the results of deliberate leadership.

Governance and Development:

Governance is about development. Governance is about infrastructure. Governance is about fairness, equity, and justice. For the first time, the South-East is not left behind. We are installing solar lights, planting trees, and building durable infrastructure that our people will be proud of.

Message to the South-East:

We must be strategic. The presidency is not achieved through wishful thinking or harsh words. Nobody will hand it over to us—we must act wisely. In 2023, we agreed as Southern leaders that power should return to the South, and we supported President Tinubu. When it is our turn, others will support us.

The “Emilokan” principle will run its course until 2031.

Call for Support:

I say it boldly: we should not give Mr. President anything less than 80% of our votes in 2027. We must speak out. Supporting the President in silence is not enough.

Our leaders must be vocal. They must tell our people what this administration is doing for us. When we appreciate what has been done, more will be done.

On Marginalization:

We have complained about marginalization in the past, but today things are changing. For the first time, your son is the Minister of Works. We now have representation and active participation in national development. It may not be perfect yet, but progress has begun. As leaders, we must put our people first. Integrity matters. Whatever we do reflects on our entire region. We must act with wisdom and unity. We must protect our people and advance their interests strategically.

Conclusion: 

Let me say this clearly: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done well for the South-East. He will do even more. We must remain united.

We must not allow anyone to divide us. We must be strategic in our decisions. Let nobody mislead us.

If we do what is right, we will have the strength to negotiate better for our future.

Thank you very much.