Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims that Peter Obi is the South-East’s best presidential candidate, saying the former Anambra governor failed to consult regional political leaders before launching his 2023 bid.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Umahi insisted his position was not personal. “Peter Obi is not the best of our finest in South-East,” he said. “He’s not the best; he can never be the best.”
The former Ebonyi governor argued that anyone seeking to represent the South-East at the national level must first engage governors and other influential stakeholders to build consensus. “You cannot play politics in South-East without consulting people like us,” Umahi stated. He added that if he were pursuing the presidency, he would consult widely before declaring his ambition.
Umahi also rejected the idea that Obi’s 2023 performance automatically makes him the region’s strongest option. He said the South-East has several qualified politicians who should be considered in future discussions about producing a Nigerian president.
He further argued that the presidency should not be reserved for Anambra State whenever the region gets the chance. Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe, came from the area that now forms Anambra, Umahi noted, adding that Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and Imo should also be considered.
His comments come amid growing political discussions ahead of the 2027 presidential election, particularly over support for President Bola Tinubu among South-East leaders. Umahi defended those backing Tinubu, rejecting suggestions that such support amounted to a betrayal of the region.
He maintained that the South-East could improve its chances of producing a president through negotiations and alliances with other parts of the country, rather than treating support for any individual politician as a test of regional loyalty.
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