Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has criticised the coalition of political figures mobilising against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, describing them as “faceless” and lacking credibility.
Umahi made the remarks during the 2025 Sallah celebration in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where he addressed the Muslim community.
He praised Tinubu’s leadership, claiming that his achievements in governance and national unity make a strong case for his re-election in 2027.
“The President has shown real leadership and a genuine commitment to national integration.
Based on what he has done, I believe he deserves a second term,” Umahi stated.
A number of prominent opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-SGF Babachir Lawal, and former APC Vice Chairman (North West) Salihu Lukman—have reportedly begun discussions to form a united front against Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.
However, Umahi dismissed the initiative, suggesting that it lacks substance and public support.
Highlighting Tinubu’s efforts in the South-East, Umahi noted that federal infrastructure projects, previously absent in the region, are now being implemented under the current administration.
“Many South-East states had no federal projects before.
Today, the federal government’s presence is visible here. That’s real national integration,” he said.
He also pointed to key appointments from the region—including himself as Minister of Works, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Minister of Science and Technology—as evidence of Tinubu’s inclusive governance.
“We lost political ground in the past, but this government is helping us regain it. It may not be perfect, but we’re no longer left out.
We must recognise this progress and support the President,” Umahi urged.
He called on residents of the South-East to shun divisive rhetoric and instead engage constructively with the Federal Government.
“We must not isolate ourselves. Reintegration is the path forward, and President Tinubu has already taken the first steps,” he said.
Umahi also praised the President’s efforts at fostering interfaith unity, describing Tinubu’s attendance at the Pope’s inauguration at the Vatican as “historic” and symbolic of a new era of religious tolerance in Nigeria.