Former Ebonyi State Governor and current Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has come under heavy criticism following his recent remark that “it’s not the Southeast’s turn yet; when it is, nobody will be more qualified than me.”
Critics have accused Umahi of making a U-turn from his earlier position in 2020, when he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that the move was in protest against the PDP’s refusal to zone its presidential ticket to the Southeast. At the time, Umahi insisted his defection was to champion the cause of the region.
Commentators argue that his new stance undermines the sacrifices of many who have consistently demanded fairness and equity for the Southeast in Nigeria’s leadership equation.
In a strongly worded reaction, a critic reminded Umahi of his “poor record” as governor, noting that despite his massive investments in roads and flyovers, his administration allegedly neglected education, healthcare, pensions, and other social services. The much-publicized Ebonyi Airport, malls, and industrial clusters were described as “non-functional or deserted projects.”
The critic also argued that Umahi could not match the credibility of Labour Party leader Peter Obi, who has gained nationwide appeal for his emphasis on cutting governance costs, reviving education and healthcare, fixing power, boosting agriculture, and driving economic reforms.
According to the statement, even in Ebonyi, Umahi may struggle to secure votes against Obi in 2027:
“Average Nigerians facing hardship will choose someone like Peter Obi over you. Even in Ebonyi, Obi will defeat you despite your reliance on rigging. The Obidient movement is alive, and Nigerians know better.”
