The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, has said that the South-East region will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. He declared that Ebonyi State, in particular, is no longer part of the ‘Obidient Movement’ led by former Anambra governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking on Saturday at the Ohanivo 2025 New Yam Festival held in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Umahi praised President Tinubu for what he described as giving the South-East “a sense of belonging” since assuming office.
“We are not Obidient people. We have been so marginalized that we are no longer Obidient,” Umahi said. “But it is the man that has given us a sense of belonging, President Bola Tinubu. There is no Obidient person in Ebonyi State.”
Umahi’s comments appeared to mock the popularity of Peter Obi in the region during the 2023 general elections, where Obi enjoyed massive support across the South-East, largely driven by the youth-led ‘Obidient Movement’. Obi’s Labour Party won in many parts of the region, including in Ebonyi State, where he defeated both the APC and PDP presidential candidates.
However, Umahi insisted that the mood has changed, and the people of the South-East are now more politically aware. According to him, they will no longer be “deceived” by sentiments or political promises that don’t yield results.
“The last election was a mistake, but we have become wiser,” Umahi said. “We will not be deceived again. What we have to do is to record the good things that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for South-East and Ebonyi State, and when the time comes in 2027, we will vote accordingly.”
Umahi, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was appointed Minister of Works in 2023 by President Tinubu. Since then, he has become one of the president’s strongest supporters from the South-East.
He noted that the region’s political future should be guided by real development and inclusion, not just emotion. “Let it not be that because we are from Ebonyi State, we will say this state belongs to us. That time has passed,” he said.
Peter Obi’s influence grew tremendously in the run-up to the 2023 elections, especially among Nigerian youths and urban voters who were disillusioned with the major parties. His campaign was driven by a message of transparency, accountability, and youth empowerment.
However, Umahi’s recent comments suggest a shift in political allegiance in parts of the South-East, particularly within APC strongholds like Ebonyi State. With the 2027 elections still two years away, political alignments in the region remain fluid.
