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The political landscape in Nigeria’s South-East appears to be shifting ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with several governors in the region reportedly aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ambitions despite the continued influence of Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
Although the governors belong to different political parties, political observers say they have found common ground in strengthening ties with the Federal Government while pursuing their own political interests. While some are seeking second terms in office, others are positioning loyal successors, all while maintaining close collaboration with President Tinubu.
The growing alliance comes despite Peter Obi, a native of the South-East, remaining one of the region’s most prominent political figures following his strong performance in the 2023 presidential election.
Umahi Declares Tinubu South-East’s Best Choice
Leading the campaign for Tinubu in the region is the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who has repeatedly praised the President’s commitment to infrastructure development in the South-East.
Speaking during an inspection tour of federal projects in Ebonyi State alongside members of the Presidential Media Team and Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Umahi described Tinubu as the best option for both the South-East and Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He argued that the region had begun to witness unprecedented federal attention through road construction and other strategic infrastructure projects.
According to the minister, the people of the South-East would support Tinubu’s second-term bid because of the administration’s visible development efforts.
Umahi also claimed that many residents who voted for Peter Obi in the 2023 election had reconsidered their decision after witnessing ongoing projects across the region.
Infrastructure Projects Highlighted
Among the flagship projects highlighted by Umahi is the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue Trans-Saharan Superhighway, which he described as a long-abandoned vision now being realised under the Tinubu administration.
He said the highway would boost agriculture, commerce and regional integration by linking Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue and neighbouring countries such as Cameroon.
The minister added that several sections of the highway are already under construction, while other major road projects across the South-East have also recorded significant progress.
Presidential Aides Applaud Development
Members of the Presidential Media Team and several presidential aides who participated in the inspection tour commended the pace of development in the region.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Chioma Nweze, said the South-East had experienced greater inclusion under the Tinubu administration than in previous years.
She cited ongoing projects including the Enugu-Onitsha Road, Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, Enugu-Abakaliki Road, major flyovers and the Ndibe Beach road linking Cross River State as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region.
According to her, residents should support the President’s re-election bid based on completed and ongoing projects rather than campaign promises.
Governors Showcase Development Projects
During the tour, governors in Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia states showcased several projects executed with support from increased federal allocations following the Federal Government’s economic reforms.
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru highlighted investments in road infrastructure, housing schemes and the establishment of universities focused on aeronautics and information technology.
In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah presented numerous projects, including smart schools, hospital upgrades, road dualisation projects, the Enugu Smart City initiative and improvements to transport infrastructure.
Similarly, Abia State Governor Alex Otti showcased ongoing road reconstruction projects, bridge construction and the proposed Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Umuahia.
Mbah Credits Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Governor Mbah attributed the state’s ability to execute large-scale infrastructure projects to President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
According to him, the policies significantly increased federal allocations to states, providing resources for major investments in infrastructure, healthcare and education.
He maintained that the reforms had strengthened sub-national governments and enabled them to undertake projects capable of driving economic growth.
Political Calculations Ahead of 2027
With the growing collaboration between the Federal Government and several South-East governors, political analysts believe the region could become a major battleground in the 2027 presidential election.
Whether the governors’ support will translate into electoral victories for President Tinubu in a region where Peter Obi remains highly influential remains one of the biggest political questions ahead of the polls.
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