Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works, has called on people in the southeast to deliver at least 80 percent of their votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. He made the appeal on Thursday in Enugu during the inauguration of completed sections of the Enugu–Onitsha federal highway. Umahi credited Tinubu with ending the region's marginalisation, pointing to his appointment as minister and the appointment of two consecutive service chiefs from the southeast. "This is the first time we are having the minister of works position and two consecutive Service Chief position," he said.
He dismissed online criticisms and rumours about his resignation to run for Senate, saying his people understand the value of holding key federal positions. Umahi urged southeast leaders, especially Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, to mobilise public support for Tinubu. He said governors in the region already back the president but stressed the need to carry the message to the grassroots. "They have to be enlightened on Tinubu's great works for us and when we appreciate what he has done he will do more," Umahi added. He pledged to continue championing the president's policies regardless of social media attacks.
David Umahi is betting that federal appointments equal political debt. By demanding 80 percent of southeast votes for Tinubu, he frames loyalty as transactional, not ideological. If votes are now currency for ministerial positions, then regional representation hinges on political allegiance to the ruling party. This sets a precedent where ministerial roles are seen less as public service and more as bargaining chips for electoral support.
