The More We Educate Our People, The Fewer Votes Obi Will Get — Umahi

Minister of Works David Umahi has said he does not believe Peter Obi can win the 2027 presidential election, while urging political leaders in the South-East to engage residents on what he described as the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in the region.

Umahi made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a report from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) following its nationwide assessment of federal road projects.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the minister argued that greater awareness of the Federal Government’s projects, appointments and other interventions in the South-East could influence the political choices of voters in the region.

“The more we educate our people, the less votes Peter Obi will get. Peter Obi cannot win in 2027,” Umahi said.

He called on South-East leaders to be more vocal in communicating with residents about what he said the Tinubu administration had done and was doing for the Igbo people.

“It is important for the leaders of the South-East to be bold, vocal and speak to our people, the Igbos, about what President Tinubu has done and is doing for the Igbos,” he said.

Umahi also expressed support for Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo over his backing of President Tinubu, urging Nigerians to respect people who choose to support the President politically.

“I support the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, for his boldness in supporting the President. People should stop insulting supporters of the President; people should be allowed to support him,” he said.

The minister further claimed that the Federal Government had demonstrated greater inclusion of the South-East through political appointments and infrastructure projects.

“No other President has done what President Tinubu has done for the South-East, whether by appointment, inclusion or projects,” Umahi said.

His comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Tinubu, Obi and other political figures and parties positioning themselves for the contest.

Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, has previously expressed support for Tinubu and criticised expectations surrounding Obi’s 2027 presidential bid. His latest remarks represent his own assessment of the political outlook, rather than an established prediction of the election outcome.

At the same Abuja engagement, Umahi also discussed federal road projects, saying the government planned to provide 30 per cent of the funding for legacy projects while loans would cover the remaining balance, with repayment expected through tolling. He also raised concerns about vandalism and reckless driving along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.