South-East Has Better Presidential Options Than Peter Obi — Umahi

Minister of Works David Umahi has said the South-East has other presidential options besides former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Umahi made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he argued that Obi was not the only presidential aspirant from the region.

“By the way, it is not only Peter Obi that is from the South-East that is contesting. We have about three or four other presidential candidates who are contesting,” Umahi said.

He added that other political parties had candidates from the region, including a female aspirant, arguing that Obi should not be regarded as the South-East’s sole presidential option.

The minister also said he was not underestimating Obi but maintained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was well positioned to gain support in the region ahead of the 2027 election.

Umahi expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu could win all five states in the South-East, citing what he described as improved treatment of the region under the current administration.

He said the region had felt marginalised under former President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly in appointments to key federal positions.

According to Umahi, the appointment of South-East politicians to important positions under Tinubu’s administration, alongside federal infrastructure projects, had changed the political situation.

The former Ebonyi State governor argued that these developments should influence how people in the region assess the Federal Government ahead of the next election.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, won all five South-East states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

His performance in the region established a strong electoral base, although the outcome of the 2027 contest will depend on candidates, party structures, voter preferences and support across the country.

Umahi’s comments come amid growing political realignments ahead of the election, with several South-East political leaders expressing support for Tinubu’s re-election.

The debate over the region’s presidential options is expected to continue as parties and aspirants intensify consultations and mobilisation ahead of 2027.