Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has dismissed concerns that former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, could pose a serious threat to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
Umahi made the statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he expressed confidence in the APC’s chances of making significant gains across the South-East.
According to the minister, Obi is not the only presidential contender from the region, noting that several other candidates are also seeking the presidency.
He said this makes Obi less of a threat to the ruling party’s prospects in the region.
Umahi, however, said his comments should not be interpreted as an attempt to underestimate Obi, who won all five South-East states during the 2023 presidential election while contesting on the platform of the Labour Party.
The former Ebonyi State governor also expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure considerably more votes in the South-East in 2027 and predicted that the APC could win all five states in the region.
He attributed the party’s poor performance in the region in 2023 partly to what he described as the marginalisation of the South-East under the previous administration.
Umahi argued that the Tinubu administration had changed the situation by giving the region representation in key positions, including his appointment as Minister of Works.
He said the APC’s record in government and its treatment of the region would help improve its support ahead of the 2027 election.
Political parties and presidential contenders have intensified mobilisation across the country as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
