The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has sent a strong message to the South-East region: support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections or risk losing major federal infrastructure projects. Umahi made this statement on Wednesday during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Ebonyi State. He didn't mince words - the projects in question are massive.

The Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway, for example, is a 123-kilometre stretch from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary. It's being constructed with reinforced concrete pavement and solar-powered streetlights at an estimated cost of N454 billion. The Federal Government has already released 50 percent funding for the project. Approvals are being processed for the dualisation of critical sections of the route.

Umahi's warning is driven by his belief that the South-East has benefited greatly from the current administration. His own appointment as Minister of Works is a notable example. He argues that the region has regained relevance in national politics under President Tinubu, and that it's time for the people to reciprocate by supporting the President in the next election. As he put it, "Last time, Afikpo people didn't vote for APC. If they want this bridge completed, I will require 100 per cent of the votes.

I'm not asking for 99 per cent."

The projects being constructed in the South-East are unprecedented in the region's history. The Federal Government is committing massive resources to their completion. Section two of the corridor, stretching about 178 kilometres from the Ebonyi-Benue boundary through Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states to Oweto Bridge, carries a contract value of N685 billion. Umahi insists that these projects can only be executed through federal intervention, and that President Tinubu is the only one who can see them through to completion. He can't stress this point enough - the region needs federal support to complete these projects.

Funding challenges still exist, though. Umahi acknowledged that contractors are facing difficulties. However, he maintained that the Federal Government remains committed to meeting its obligations. As he said, "The President has assured us that all contractors owed will be paid. Today, there's hardly any state in Nigeria without a construction site under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu." He didn't say this to reassure contractors, but to emphasize the government's commitment.

Umahi's statement has sparked controversy, with some interpreting it as a threat to the South-East region. However, the Minister argues that he's simply stating the obvious: that the region needs to support the President if it wants to continue benefiting from federal projects. As he put it, "This election isn't a lottery. The presidency isn't won by sentiment but by strategic planning. We must support the President to complete these projects and secure greater opportunities for the South-East." He won't back down from this statement, and he's clear about what's at stake.

The stakes are high, and the region has a lot to gain from supporting President Tinubu. It also has a lot to lose if it doesn't. The Minister himself said, "We will shock the nation in Ebonyi State because we will deliver 95 per cent of our votes to President Tinubu. The last election outcome was an accident of history, and it won't repeat itself." He's confident that the region will come out in support of the President, and that they'll reap the benefits of this support.

Key Facts

  • The Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway is a 123-kilometre stretch from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary.
  • The project is being constructed with reinforced concrete pavement and solar-powered streetlights at an estimated cost of N454 billion.
  • The Federal Government has already released 50 percent funding for the project.
  • Section two of the corridor carries a contract value of N685 billion.
  • Umahi has projected that substantial portions of the project will be completed before the end of the year.

Umahi's warning carries significant weight. The South-East region has a lot to gain from supporting President Tinubu, and a lot to lose if it doesn't. As the Minister himself said, the region's support is crucial for the completion of these projects. The region can't afford to lose out on these opportunities, and Umahi is determined to ensure that they don't. He's clear about what the region needs to do, and he's not afraid to say it.

The region's future is at stake, and Umahi is doing everything he can to secure it.