Pic: L-R: Peter Obi and David Umahi
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has appealed to people of the South-East and Nigerians in general to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, insisting that the country should not “take risks” by changing leadership when major infrastructure projects are underway.
Umahi made the appeal while inspecting ongoing sections of the Cross River–Abuja Legacy Highway and the Trans-Sahara Highway projects.
Responding to critics who have questioned his refusal to support Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Umahi said his position was based on what he described as the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, particularly in the South-East.
According to him, he was not attacking Obi personally but urging Nigerians to vote for President Tinubu because of the administration’s record on road construction and infrastructure renewal.
“They have been insulting me for supporting President Tinubu instead of Peter Obi, who is my brother.
“But I have no regrets because President Tinubu is changing the narrative of South-East marginalisation through infrastructure,” he said.
Umahi expressed confidence that all major projects initiated by the Tinubu administration would be completed, stressing that continuity in government would prevent the abandonment of ongoing projects.
“Let us not take risks. Under President Tinubu, there will be no abandoned projects. All the legacy projects awarded by this administration will be completed,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the progress on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, revealing that the project would be completed by December with reinforced concrete pavement, solar-powered streetlights and tree planting.
He added that the highway would be tolled after completion, explaining that the revenue would be used for road maintenance and enhanced security through regular patrols.
Umahi also disclosed that Section One of the Cross River–Abuja Legacy Highway, covering about 125 kilometres, was nearing completion, with over 30 per cent of the alignment passing through communities in Ebonyi State.
He further revealed that Section Two of the highway, spanning approximately 168 kilometres across Ebonyi, Benue, Enugu and Kogi states, had been fully mobilised after the Federal Government paid 30 per cent mobilisation fees to the contractor.
The minister said contractors handling the projects had been directed to employ more local workers to ensure that host communities benefit directly from the economic opportunities created by the construction works.
He commended the contractors and project supervisors for maintaining steady progress and urged government officials to continue enlightening communities on the benefits of the ongoing infrastructure projects.
Tags: 2027 Election, BolaTinubu, David Umahi, Peter Obi, South East Infrastructure #Politics #Nigeria
