David Umahi, the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, declared at a town hall meeting in Abakaliki that the South-East had no presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, dismissing Peter Obi’s ambition.
Speaking at the All Progressives Congress event, Umahi argued that Obi was no better qualified than other prominent South-East figures, including himself, Anyim Pius Anyim, Sam Egwu, and Elias Mbam.
He urged religious and traditional leaders to abandon neutrality and openly support President Bola Tinubu to ensure the region's full political integration and position it for a future presidency after Tinubu completes a second term.
Highlighting federal appointments and infrastructure improvements under the current administration as proof of the South-East's inclusion, Umahi called for strategic political alignment over sentiment.
He concluded by pledging to deliver 1.3 million votes from Ebonyi State for both President Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru in 2027.