ADC criticises Umahi for claiming South-East will massively back Tinubu in 2027, calling the statement misleading and politically insensitive

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Enugu State has criticised Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for allegedly giving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu false hope that the South-East geo-political zone will overwhelmingly support his 2027 re-election bid.

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The statement came in reaction to Umahi’s remark that the region would rally 90 percent backing for Tinubu during a project inspection tour at the Alaoji axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway on Saturday.

ADC, in a press release on Monday signed by National Coordinator Comrade Adolphus Ude, accused Umahi of misleading the President and painting a misleading picture of the South-East’s political stance.

The party also challenged the Minister’s claim that the Tinubu administration has addressed the region’s marginalisation, stating that exclusion of the South-East has worsened under the current government.

“The attention of Enugu ADC has been drawn to a statement by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, that the South-East geo-political zone will rally 90 percent support for President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the February 20, 2027 presidential election.

Umahi also warned that failing to support Tinubu would be detrimental to the region. We consider these claims both reckless and misleading,” the release read.

ADC cited the 2023 elections, when Tinubu lost in all five South-East states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—securing less than 10 percent of votes in each.

The party emphasised that no tangible developments under the Tinubu administration have materially altered the region’s support, including federal infrastructure, intervention funds, or appointments.

ADC noted that Igboland remains the only region without a rail line and highlighted the marginalisation in federal executive appointments and passport services.

The party further criticised Umahi for blending personal political ambitions with the interest of Ndigbo, noting his prior unsuccessful bid for the APC presidential ticket in 2023 despite asserting that the region’s turn has not yet come.

ADC also demanded that Umahi provide evidence of any significant Tinubu legacy projects in the South-East to justify his claims of widespread support.

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Enugu ADC concluded by warning the Minister to separate personal interests from regional welfare, stating: “Umahi is giving Mr. President false hope. Tinubu will be living in a fool’s paradise if he takes the words of someone intoxicated by personal gain seriously.”