All Southeast governors are backing President Bola Tinubu, according to Works Minister Senator Dave Umahi, who also encouraged those who aren’t sure, like former governor Peter Obi, to board the train.
According to Naija News, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, revealed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Additionally, Umahi stated that a portion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is almost finished and that beginning in December, users will be required to pay a toll.
In an upcoming State House documentary commemorating President Tinubu’s second anniversary, Senator Umahi revealed these details in a feature interview.
Regardless of their party affiliations, all South East governors, according to Umahi, back President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The minister claims that under President Tinubu, the South East is seeing a resurgence of federal interest and infrastructural development.
The Igbo guy is enterprising and endowed with insight from God, he remarked. Ndi Igbo want Nigeria to treat all zones similarly and fairly. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing just that.
The absence of federal presence in Ebonyi State was one of our main issues prior to my tenure as governor and deputy governor. However, no one is aware of that problem anymore. At least four federal projects are now underway in Ebonyi State under President Tinubu.
He noted that while cries of marginalisation used to dominate conversations in the South East, the current administration has made significant progress in addressing long-standing concerns about infrastructure and appointments.
“Today, the South East has a Minister of Works for the first time, and we’re seeing real projects—Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the Second Niger Bridge. The President has already paid 30 per cent of the cost of that bridge.
“All the governors in the South East, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the President. We’re even planning a summit to bring together all South-East leaders to endorse the President for the 2027 elections formally. We want our projects to be completed, the country’s unity to be strengthened and proper integration of Ndi Igbo,” the former Ebonyi State governor said.
Senator Umahi urged key regional opposition figures to align with the President for the greater good of the South East.
“Leadership is not about self—it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President.
He has to attend this meeting so that we can all support President Tinubu in the 2027 election. “The South East is pleased with the President,” he declared firmly.
Sen. Umahi gave updates on four significant national projects: the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the soon-to-be-purchased Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor. He said these projects are transformative investments that will deepen regional integration and unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.
The Minister said that more than 80% of Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which runs 47.47 kilometers from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and ends at Eleko Junction, has been finished. Section 2, which stretches 55 kilometers from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border, is currently undergoing construction.
Umahi said: “By December, we will toll Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. We project a 10-year return on investment. The road has solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure and offers carbon credit advantages.
“It is more than a road—it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth. We have completed 30 kilometres of Section 1 and are on track to complete an additional 10 in Section 2. These are six-lane, concrete-paved highways.
“Just days ago, we flagged off Sections 3 and 3B—65 kilometres in total—covering 38 kilometres in Cross River State and 27 kilometres in Akwa Ibom. The host communities’ excitement speaks to these projects’ transformative impact.”
Commenting on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Minister explained its historic significance, noting that the route was conceived during the Shehu Shagari administration over four decades ago.
“The Trans-Saharan Trade Route dates back to colonial-era planning. President Tinubu is now bringing these long-abandoned visions to life.”
Senator Umahi went on to praise the President’s vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying, “God gave him the vision seven years ago.” He is bringing that vision to life now. These initiatives demonstrate his steadfast dedication to the advancement of the country and a brighter future for all Nigerians.
He reiterated that the legacy initiatives are forward-thinking, environmentally friendly, and economically feasible.
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