I’m not attacking Peter Obi; I’m asking Southeast not to vote for him - Umahi

Nigeria's Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, clarified his stance on the upcoming election, asserting that his criticism of presidential candidate Peter Obi is not an attack but a plea to the Southeast to support President Bola Tinubu. Umahi expressed pride in working for Tinubu's administration, citing significant infrastructural developments across Nigeria, particularly in the South East.

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I say, no, I’m not attacking Peter Obi. I’m asking people in Southeast and Nigeria not to vote for him but to vote for President Bola Tinubu…And I have my facts.

During an inspection of the Trans-Sahara highway and other legacy projects, Umahi emphasized the government's commitment to completing all awarded projects under Tinubu. He pointed to the Enugu-Onitsha expressway as a success story nearing completion, featuring modern amenities and planned tolling for maintenance and security. Umahi also noted that contractors are directed to hire more local workers to boost community economies.

Umahi addressed criticisms he has faced for not supporting Obi, who he referred to as his "brother." He stated he has no regrets supporting Tinubu, whom he believes is actively addressing the historical marginalization of the Southeast through infrastructure. "I’m asking people in Southeast and Nigeria not to vote for him but to vote for President Bola Tinubu…And I have my facts," Umahi declared, urging against the risk of electing a candidate who might lead to abandoned projects, a common issue in the country's past.

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All the projects awarded by Tinubu will be completed. In the second tenure of Mr. President, let us not take risks. Don’t forget that any other person coming, you have to start with negotiating abandoned projects is not new in this country. But under President Tinubu, there will be no abandoned project. All these projects, all legacy projects, will be completed.

The minister highlighted the progress on Section One of the Cross River-Abuja Legacy Highway, which is nearing completion and significantly benefits Ebonyi communities. He reiterated that Tinubu's administration ensures no project is abandoned, contrasting this with the potential challenges of starting negotiations with a new administration. Umahi commended the contractors and presidential aides for their dedication to the projects.

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The Enugu-Onitsha expressway is a success story. By December, that project is totally completed with solar light and tree planting, majorly on reinforced concrete type pavements. And we are going to do tolling there. The essence of the tolling is just for the maintenance of the road and then to have security that is going to be patrolling the road.