The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged the South-East to give overwhelming support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Ebonyi Governor warned that failure to do so could affect the continuation of major federal infrastructure projects in the region.
Umahi made the statement during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Ebonyi State on Wednesday.
He said the current administration has committed significant resources to infrastructure development in the South-East, describing ongoing projects as unprecedented compared to previous governments.
Among the projects highlighted was the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, which he described as a major legacy project of the Tinubu administration. He explained that sections of the corridor span over 100 kilometres and involve multi-billion-naira investments, reinforced concrete pavements, and solar-powered street lighting.
The Minister added that the Federal Government had already released a substantial portion of funding for the projects and assured that contractors would continue to be paid despite financial challenges.
Umahi, however, linked continued federal investment in the region to political support for the President in 2027, stating that communities benefiting from the projects should reciprocate through electoral backing.
He argued that the South-East has gained increased inclusion in national development under the current administration, pointing to infrastructure projects and federal appointments as evidence.
He also maintained that no previous administration had invested as heavily in the region’s road and bridge infrastructure as the present government.