Umahi: South-East Can Produce Stronger Presidential Candidates Than Obi
In a bold statement, David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has claimed that the South-East has more qualified candidates for the presidency than Peter Obi.
In an interview with Arise News, Umahi criticized Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, for not consulting key political leaders in the region prior to his 2023 presidential campaign.
“Peter Obi is not our best option in the South-East,” Umahi declared. “He’s not the best; he can never be the best.”
His comments highlight the necessity of building consensus among influential stakeholders before pursuing national political ambitions.
Umahi stressed that anyone seeking to represent the South-East must engage with governors and other prominent figures.
“You cannot play politics in the South-East without consulting people like us,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
He also challenged the assumption that Obi’s performance in the last election makes him the region’s top candidate, insisting that there are numerous capable politicians ready to vie for the presidency in future elections.
Furthermore, Umahi argued that the presidency should not be considered the sole prerogative of Anambra State, despite its historical ties, referencing Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe.
He called for a broader view that includes candidates from Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, and Imo states.
As the political landscape shifts ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Umahi defended South-East leaders backing President Bola Tinubu, rejecting claims that such support signifies disloyalty to the region.
He maintained that the South-East can increase its chances of securing the presidency through negotiations and alliances with other regions, rather than viewing support for any individual as a measure of regional loyalty.
Umahi’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for South-East politics, highlighting the need for unity and collaboration in the pursuit of leadership as the elections approach.
