By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
Nigeria’s Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. Umahi cited enhanced interfaith harmony, national integration, and visible infrastructural development as key achievements of the current administration.
Speaking during a Sallah celebration organized for the Muslim community in Abakaliki, Umahi commended President Tinubu for fostering unity and trust across religious and ethnic divides. He described interfaith relations in Nigeria under Tinubu as “excellent,” attributing this progress to the President’s inclusive leadership style.
“It is surprising to Christians that he led the delegation to the Pope’s inauguration. That was very unique and the first of its kind. I would say interfaith relations are now at an excellent level under President Tinubu,” Umahi remarked.
Defending the previously controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket, Umahi highlighted that 62% of federal appointments under Tinubu had gone to Christians, countering initial fears raised during the 2023 elections.
“We have no regrets with the Muslim-Muslim ticket. The most important thing is the dividends of democracy,” he asserted.
On regional equity, Umahi emphasized that the South-East is now better integrated into the national framework through enhanced federal presence and appointments.
“Before now, there were no federal projects in the South-East. But today, there are projects in all Southeast states. Is that not integration?” he asked, noting key appointments such as the Minister of Works, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Minister of Science and Technology.
He also revealed that Nigeria’s Science and Technology Minister is set to launch a new satellite—a milestone he credited to Tinubu’s commitment to merit-based leadership.
Highlighting his ministry’s achievements, Umahi stated that he is directly supervising construction projects in all six geopolitical zones, targeting the completion of 30 major infrastructure projects by December 20, 2025.
“Have you seen where a man presided over a N1.6 trillion procurement project and the President never questioned him? That is trust. If you betray such a man, the wrath of God will be upon you,” Umahi said, expressing gratitude for the President’s confidence in him.
Vowing to personally visit 90% of project sites, Umahi noted his deep involvement in nationwide road and bridge construction efforts.
Turning to opposition politics, Umahi criticized the internal crises within the Labour Party and the PDP, describing their state as “a ship without a life jacket.”
“Labour Party suspended one of its only credible governors, Alex Otti of Abia State. Is APC the one causing that crisis? The PDP sealed their own house. Is that also the fault of APC?” he queried.
He reaffirmed that the APC remains Nigeria’s dominant political force and called on the South-East to support the ruling party for sustained development and integration.
“My loyalty is to God Almighty first, and to President Tinubu. When a man gives you all his trust, it would be evil to betray him,” Umahi emphasized, warning that betraying the President or the nation would invite divine judgment.
Senator Umahi also rallied support for Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, calling him a trusted ally of over 16 years. He urged political reconciliation in the state and cautioned against hypocrisy.
“If you are still bitter with me but praising Governor Nwifuru, then you are pretending. We will watch with our two eyes,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Umahi reiterated his full support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s trajectory under Tinubu’s leadership.
“When Bola Ahmed is on the throne, Nigeria is getting better,” he said, paraphrasing Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s now-popular line.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi Muslim community had earlier pledged their support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition. Salis Mohammed, youth leader of the Hausa community, alongside other Muslim leaders including Sariki Danjuma Gambo, lauded Umahi as a symbol of peace and unity across Nigeria. They also praised Tinubu’s appointment of Umahi, describing it as a transformational move for national prosperity.
