Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents the kind of leadership the Igbo people have long desired, describing the President as “the Biafra the Igbos have been looking for.”
Umahi made the remarks during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election held in Umunaga Ward, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where party members gathered in large numbers ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The former Ebonyi State governor said the massive turnout of APC members during the exercise demonstrated growing support for President Tinubu and confidence in the ruling party within the South-East region.
According to him, a total of 5,009 APC members participated in the primary exercise in the ward, which he described as a clear indication that the people of Ebonyi State remained committed to the Tinubu administration and its programmes.
Umahi praised Tinubu’s leadership style and argued that the President had shown unprecedented commitment to integrating the South-East into mainstream national politics through appointments and developmental initiatives.
Speaking passionately before party members and supporters, the minister insisted that no previous administration had given the South-East the level of political recognition and infrastructure attention currently being witnessed under Tinubu’s government.
“Bola Tinubu is the Biafra we have been looking for,” Umahi declared.
“A man who has integrated the entire South-East, given us juicy appointments and very important infrastructure.”
The minister maintained that the APC administration had ensured that the South-East was no longer politically isolated, adding that the region now occupies strategic positions within the federal government.
According to Umahi, Tinubu’s administration has deliberately pursued policies aimed at promoting inclusion, national unity and equitable distribution of opportunities across all parts of the country.
He also highlighted several ongoing infrastructure projects in the South-East, particularly federal road projects, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region.
The minister argued that the scale of infrastructure development currently taking place across the South-East was unprecedented and reflected the President’s genuine concern for the welfare and economic growth of the region.
Umahi further described Ebonyi State as one of the strongest support bases of the APC in the South-East, insisting that the people of the state remained firmly aligned with the ruling party because of the visible projects and political benefits they had received under the Tinubu administration.
He urged party members to remain united and continue mobilising support for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The minister also defended the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly policies that initially triggered public criticism and economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy and other fiscal adjustments.
According to him, although Nigerians experienced temporary difficulties at the early stages of the reforms, the policies were necessary to stabilise the country’s economy and prevent a more severe economic crisis.
Umahi said the administration had succeeded in restoring macroeconomic stability and was gradually shifting focus toward policies that would directly impact ordinary Nigerians at the grassroots level.
“The macroeconomy is stable and the President is now taking it down to the microeconomy,” he said.
“The worst is over and Nigerians will soon begin to see the benefits.”
The minister expressed optimism that the reforms would soon translate into improved living conditions, increased investment, job creation and economic growth across the country.
He argued that economic transformation often requires difficult decisions and patience, adding that Tinubu had demonstrated courage by implementing reforms previous administrations avoided.
Umahi further urged Nigerians to support the government’s economic agenda, insisting that the long-term benefits would outweigh the short-term pains currently being experienced.
The APC primary exercise in Ebonyi formed part of the party’s internal mobilisation and consultations ahead of the next election cycle, with party leaders using the occasion to reaffirm support for Tinubu’s leadership.
Political observers say Umahi’s comments may further fuel conversations around the relationship between the South-East and the Tinubu administration, particularly amid ongoing debates over political inclusion and regional representation.
The minister has consistently been one of Tinubu’s strongest allies in the South-East and has repeatedly defended the administration against criticism over economic challenges and governance issues.
Since assuming office as Minister of Works, Umahi has frequently highlighted ongoing federal infrastructure projects nationwide, particularly road construction and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity and economic activities.
His latest remarks are expected to generate reactions from both supporters and critics of the administration, especially over his description of Tinubu as “the Biafra the Igbos have been looking for.”
Despite growing economic concerns among many Nigerians, APC leaders have continued to express confidence that the administration’s policies will eventually produce positive outcomes before the 2027 general elections.
