Minister of Works, David Umahi, says former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi cannot be regarded as the best presidential candidate from the Southeast.
Umahi says his position is not based on personal differences with Obi but on his assessment of the political leadership available in the region.
The former Ebonyi State governor argued that Obi failed to adequately consult governors and other political leaders in the Southeast before his 2023 presidential bid.
According to Umahi, anyone seeking to represent the political aspirations of the Southeast at the presidential level must build consensus within the region and negotiate with other parts of the country.
He also rejected suggestions that Obi’s performance in the 2023 election automatically makes him the Southeast’s strongest presidential candidate, insisting that the region has other qualified political figures.
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Umahi further questioned the idea that Anambra State should automatically produce a president if the opportunity comes to the Southeast, noting that Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and Imo states should also be considered.
The Works Minister defended the growing support for President Bola Tinubu among Southeast political leaders ahead of the 2027 election, rejecting claims that supporting Tinubu instead of Obi amounts to betraying the region.
Umahi maintains that the Southeast’s chances of producing a president will depend on negotiation, political alliances and integration with other parts of Nigeria.
