2027: Play Football On Election Day, Complain Later — Umahi Warns Voters

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged voters in the South-East to participate actively in the 2027 presidential election, warning that those who stay away from the polls should not complain about the outcome afterward.

Umahi made the remarks in Anambra State while inspecting the ongoing construction of the Obosi-Ogbunike-Ogidi interchange road linking the Second Niger Bridge.

The minister specifically cautioned youths against spending election day playing football instead of going to polling units to exercise their civic responsibility.

He said voters who voluntarily stayed away from the election could not later complain about the quality of leadership produced by the process.

“Let it not be during voting you are playing football. Then tomorrow you start to come and complain. It is not acceptable,” Umahi said.

He urged residents of the South-East to come out in large numbers during the 2027 election and vote for President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi also expressed confidence that Tinubu would win the presidential election, describing Anambra as a strong base for the President and arguing that political forces supporting the administration were increasingly working together in the state.

The minister said the All Progressives Congress and the All Progressives Grand Alliance were collaborating as progressive political forces and would work toward delivering Tinubu in Anambra.

He also dismissed claims that the South-East had been marginalised by the Tinubu administration, arguing that the region was receiving significant federal attention through infrastructure projects.

Umahi said his experience as a former governor, deputy governor and party chairman had given him knowledge of the level of federal investment previously directed toward the region.

He pointed to ongoing road construction and other infrastructure projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the South-East.

The minister also addressed criticism directed at him and Tinubu, saying political insults would not prevent the President from winning the 2027 election.

He urged residents to appreciate ongoing federal projects by participating in the electoral process.

During the inspection, Umahi directed contractors handling the Obosi-Ogbunike-Ogidi interchange to accelerate work and ensure that construction met approved specifications and standards.

He also charged ministry engineers across the country to monitor projects closely and ensure contractors complied with agreed requirements.

The Acting Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, commended Umahi for regularly inspecting road projects and ensuring compliance with construction standards.

Umahi’s comments come amid increasing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election and concerns over voter apathy among young Nigerians.