2027 Presidency: Umahi Under Fire Over ‘Not Igbo Turn’ Comment

Minister of Works Dave Umahi has come under criticism following his comments that it is not yet the turn of the Igbo to produce Nigeria’s president.

Umahi made the remarks on Thursday in Benin City, Edo State, while speaking at an event focused on the rehabilitation of the Benin-Asaba Road.

Addressing the 2027 presidential contest, the former Ebonyi State governor said the Igbo would eventually produce a Nigerian president but argued that the presidency currently belongs to President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi said, “It is not the turn of Igbos yet,” while rejecting suggestions that the South-East would never produce a president.

He added that the region would have its opportunity in the future, but maintained that he considered the present political period to be Tinubu’s turn.

The comments have generated reactions from political actors and commentators, particularly because of the continuing debate over zoning and whether the presidency should rotate among Nigeria’s geopolitical regions.

Umahi also addressed comparisons between himself and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, saying he saw no area in which Obi was superior to him.

He said such comparisons should be based on factors including family background, intellectual capacity, public service records and contributions to the South-East.

Umahi, who served as Ebonyi State governor before becoming a minister, also defended his support for Tinubu and the Federal Government.

He said members of the administration would continue to defend the President when his government was criticised, particularly when they believed his administration was delivering on its responsibilities.

The minister’s comments come as political parties and various groups continue preparations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The issue of regional representation remains a prominent part of the political debate, with politicians and political groups expressing differing views on zoning, rotation and the eligibility of aspirants from different parts of the country.

Umahi also used the Benin City event to announce plans for the redesign of the 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba dual carriageway.

He said the Federal Government had commenced temporary intervention on the road while developing plans for longer-term reconstruction.

The minister said the emergency work was intended to address immediate challenges along the corridor while the government works on a permanent solution.