- Minister of Works Dave Umahi has declared that President Bola Tinubu is delivering the kind of development the South-East has long desired, describing him as “the Biafra we have been looking for.”
- His comments, which included comparisons with Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 election, have sparked mixed reactions online.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has stirred reactions online after declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is giving the South-East the kind of attention and development the region has long desired.
Speaking during a recent engagement, Umahi stated that no president from the South-East could match what Tinubu is currently doing for the Igbo people, including Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.
According to him, the South-East would massively support Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election as appreciation for ongoing projects and appointments under the current administration.
“The Biafra we have been looking for is here, and that is with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi said.
“No President from the South East can do what Tinubu is doing for us. Not Peter Obi. We (Igbos) will show our appreciation and vote President Tinubu massively for what he is doing in the South East.”
He further added that the voting pattern from the region during the 2023 election would change in the next general election.
“The low votes from the South East that happened in the last election will not happen again in 2027,” he added.
Umahi’s statement quickly generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating his comparison between Tinubu and Peter Obi.
Reacting to the minister’s statement, X user Akínbọ̀bọ́lá wrote, “Why are you guys always comparing Tinubu with OBI? You no go rest? Focus on making Nigerians have better living conditions.”
Another user, Thanos, commented, “Of course… when you are eating, do not talk.”
Kontokola also reacted by raising concerns over insecurity in the South-East.
“Are you aware there’s an attack in FUTO last night? The present government prefers to talk about political opponents than tackling the issues on ground,” the user wrote.
However, some users defended Umahi’s position. Edo Finest wrote, “Some Nigerians are not seeing this stride as anything, all dey wants is free food dat is all you wins their hearts.”
Another user, Big K, insisted that many Igbos still stand with IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
“For me, the only person that Igbo can listen to in southwest is Dr Mazi Nnamdi,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, another commenter dismissed Umahi’s prediction ahead of the 2027 election, saying, “All these things you are saying, no 25% for Tinubu in any South East.”
