2027: ‘It’s not the turn of Igbos yet’ — Umahi
BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Minister of Works Dave Umahi stated on Thursday that the time is not yet right for an Igbo to ascend to the presidency of Nigeria, asserting that the South East will have its chance in the future.
Speaking at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event, Umahi affirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, urging that he should remain in office.
“It is not the turn of Igbos yet,” Umahi said. “I heard today from one individual who claimed, ‘Oh no, the Igbos can never be president.’ We will one day become president, but it is not yet our turn; it is the turn of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The minister further addressed criticisms regarding his standing compared to former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, who represented the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the last presidential election. He rejected the notion that Obi is superior, citing their family backgrounds, educational accomplishments, and contributions to the South East.
Umahi responded to remarks made by an individual named Awuzi, who suggested that the Igbo community had insulted Obi. He expressed his belief that no reasonable person would engage in such derogatory comments about the former governor. However, he characterized Obi as “a lucky person” while defending the current administration against its critics.
“If you are challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the president is working and is using us to work, and you expect us to keep quiet, we are not keeping quiet,” Umahi emphasized. “When you condemn people, you bring judgement upon yourself.”
He challenged those asserting that Obi is his “match” to specify areas in which the former governor exceeds him. “Is it in my larger family background that his is better than my own? Is it in intellectual capacity? Is it in what we have done for the people of South East? Is it what we did when we were governors?” he queried.
On concerns regarding the Benin-Asaba Road, Umahi announced that the Federal Government has initiated temporary interventions on the 136-kilometer stretch. He noted that President Tinubu has ordered a redesign of the road with reinforced concrete pavement.
“The President has directed whether under concessioning or the takeover of the Ministry of Works that the entire 136 kilometers dualization should be redesigned on reinforced concrete pavement,” he stated.
Additionally, Umahi indicated that immediate interventions would also be implemented on the Benin Bypass.
