All Southeast Governors Backing Tinubu for Second Term – Umahi
‘Plan for Southeast summit on endorsement on course’ •President’s performance wonderful, says Eno
Southeast governors, irrespective of political leanings, are backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in recognition of his commitment to equity, national unity and development, Works Minister Dave Umahi has said, thenationonlineng.net reported.
He said plans are underway for a regional political summit where Southeast leaders would endorse the President for a second term.
Umahi, former Governor of Ebonyi State, spoke to officials of the government as part of a documentary to commemorate the second anniversary of the Tinubu Administration.
He urged Southeast leaders, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, to support the president for another term.
Obi was the standard bearer of the Labour Party, which lost to President Tinubu in 2023.
Obi won more than 90 per cent of the votes in his Southeast zone, leaving President Tinubu with less than five per cent in 2023.
There are only two governors elected on the platform of the APC in the Southeast.
These are Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi).
The remaining three states are shared among three parties – Governor Peter Mba (Enugu) is of the PDP, Alex Otti (Abia) is of the LP, and Charles Soludo (Anambra) is of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Soludo publicly endorsed the President during his visit to his state early this month.
Although Mbah is yet to declare support, he is believed to be an admirer of the president.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the President is due in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on a visit on Friday.
Also yesterday, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno declared that the President’s performance had made it imperative for him to get the support of all.
Eno spoke at Aso Villa in Abuja after meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Umahi as saying that the Southeast is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of federal engagement, especially in infrastructure delivery, under the Tinubu Administration.
Umahi, who hailed the President for giving the Southeast a sense of belonging, said the region has benefitted from the ongoing federal road projects, including the Port Harcourt–Enugu, Enugu–Abakaliki, Enugu–Onitsha, Onitsha–Owerri highways, in addition to the Second Niger Bridge.
He said: “For the first time, the Southeast has a Minister of Works. That’s not symbolic—it is strategic.
“What we are seeing are real, measurable projects on the ground.”
He said President Tinubu had already paid 30 per cent of the cost of the Second Niger Bridge.
Reflecting on the long-standing complaints of marginalisation in the region, Umahi said the feeling is changing under the current administration.
He stressed:“When I was governor and even deputy governor in Ebonyi State, one of our greatest worries was the absence of federal presence.
“Today, under President Tinubu, we have at least four federal projects actively ongoing in the state.”
The minister said the President’s approach to governance has restored hope and redefined how national integration is perceived in the region.
He said: “The Igbo man is naturally enterprising. What we want is fairness and equal opportunity—and that is what Mr. President is delivering.”
Umahi said the proposed summit would further strengthen unity, accelerate project delivery and enhance national cohesion.
He added: “All Southeast governors—irrespective of political affiliation—are united in support of President Tinubu. The forthcoming summit will make that support official.
“Leadership is not about self—it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support them.
“I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President.
“He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the Southeast is happy with the President.”
Umahi, who shed light on the benefits of the key federal projects.
He said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is advancing steadily, with over 80 per cent of Section 1—stretching from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and ending at Eleko Junction—already completed.
He said Section 2, from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border, is also in progress.
Umahi said the users of Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would start paying tolls from December.
He added: “This road is not just a road—it’s a corridor of growth. It has solar-powered lights, CCTV infrastructure, and even carbon credit potential. It is designed as a six-lane concrete-paved highway.”
The minister explained that Sections 3 and 3B, totalling 65 kilometres and covering areas in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, have been inaugurated, with host communities expressing strong support and optimism over the project’s long-term benefits.
Umahi alluded to the historical background of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, recalling that the project was first mooted by former President Shehu Shagari in the Second Republic.
He said: “This project is breathing life into an old vision that was left dormant for over 40 years.
“It is part of the President’s broader effort to unlock Nigeria’s economic and trade corridors.”
The minister also spoke on the Trans-Saharan Trade Route and the Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor, describing the four projects as key pillars of Nigeria’s long-term economic integration agenda.
He added: “These are legacy projects—economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and future-driven. The President is turning visions into tangible infrastructure.”
Umahi praised President Tinubu’s foresight, saying that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was conceived by him nearly seven years ago.
He added: “Now, he is bringing that vision to life. It speaks volumes about his consistency, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s growth.”