David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has urged the Southeast to be patient in its quest for the presidency, insisting that it is not yet the region’s turn.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, Umahi stressed the need for political continuity and fairness ahead of the 2027 elections.
“No, it is not our time; it is not the time of the South-East yet,” Umahi said. “We, the 17 Southern governors, went to Asaba before 2023 and agreed that the next president should come from the South, regardless of party.”
He continued, “All of us tried, but the crown came upon President Bola Tinubu. He is from the South, so it’s wrong for the Southeast to say it’s their turn. Tinubu has to finish the eight years. Those eight years are for all of us; both South and North. When he finishes in 2031, the Southeast can then vie since they’ve never held the position before.”
The former Ebonyi State governor added that many in the Southeast are “eminently qualified and better” than some currently pushing for the position.
Umahi acknowledged that the region had faced marginalization, which made it difficult for APC governors, including himself, to win the zone during the 2023 general elections.
