₦airaland Forum

"I should be the front runner when presidency comes to the South-East, not Peter Obi" - Dave Umahi

The Federal Government's information managers were touring the South-East to highlight the Federal Government's projects in the region. Engineer Dave Umahi made this statement during the tour and he was standing with the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, when he made the statement.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i43hP8w8vaI?si=36HNxMaHv_LoTiKl


Transcript

All the governors of South-East are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second tenure.

I saw a man that was running his mouth and the man was saying "The only place that you have 100% support, a man has his region intact, is in the South-East" and he was talking of my brother Peter Obi.

When the presidency comes to South-East, I should be at the forefront, because of my performance. I have asked for debate for anybody that feels otherwise. I created something out of this Ebonyi State, God used me to do it.

And so we compare governor to governor time and compare what you have done for South-East. I beat my chest and say that God has used me, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has used me to better the lot of South-East. Can you tell me when else we had it this good?

So boldly we are saying South-East will support the president, is supporting the president for 2027 and there is no governor in South-East that is not supporting the president.

Governors are in charge of their states. You see Anambra, you see Enugu, you've seen Ebonyi, you've seen all that the governor is doing, you've seen Abia (my cousin), you've seen Imo (our leader), so we are very confident that we'll write our history.

And as you are here, my advice for our people, Igbos, is to re-engage. We can't get to presidency by sentiments. We have to re-engage, we have to support other regions and at the time of God, nobody will stop it, it will come to us.

And who knows whether, at that time, it will be the man standing by the Honourable Minister.

These people nor go allow Peter Obi name to rest…he be like say this name Dey give APThieves ereccctiion

Delusional thinking. They did not support Peter Obi, it's you that they will now support.

What about Rochas and Orji Uzor? They all did more than you are doing now.

As a devoted supporter of Peter Obi and the ideals he represents for Nigeria's future, I have a strong reaction to Dave Umahi's recent statements about Southeast governors supporting President Tinubu's re-election. Let me break this down with clarity and evidence:

1. The Myth of "Unanimous Support" in Southeast
Umahi claims "all five governors" back Tinubu, but this ignores critical realities:
• Partisan Divide: Three Southeast governors aren't from the APC (Enugu-PDP, Anambra-APGA, Abia-LP). Their parties haven't endorsed Tinubu, making Umahi's declaration presumptuous .
• Grassroots Disconnect: Obi won the Southeast decisively in 2023. Governors' political maneuvering doesn't reflect the people's will—evident in Obi's continued mass rallies despite government restrictions .
• Intimidation Tactics: APC governors like those in Edo and Benue have banned Obi from visiting, fearing his influence. This contradicts Umahi's "100% support" narrative .

2. Tinubu's "Favor" to Southeast: Reality vs. Rhetoric
Umahi boasts of Tinubu's infrastructure projects, but scrutiny exposes imbalances:
• Neglected Priorities: Critical Southeast projects like the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and Port Harcourt-Enugu rail are *decades* overdue. Completing them isn't generosity—it's basic governance .
• Regional Disparity: The ₦15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (toll-ready by December 2025) benefits Southwest/South-South disproportionately. Meanwhile, Southeast remains underserved .
• Appointment Tokenism: Tinubu naming Umahi Works Minister (first SE appointee) is a tactical move, not transformative inclusion. The Southeast still lacks key national security/economic roles .

3. Obi's Unmatched Cross-Regional Appeal
Umahi urges Igbos to "support other regions" for future presidency, ignoring Obi's proven viability:
• 2023 Proof: Obi outperformed Tinubu in *12 states*, including Northern strongholds like Nasarawa and Southern hubs like Edo. His appeal transcends ethnicity .
• Threat to Tinubu: APC fears Obi because he splits Tinubu's Southern base. In 2027, Obi could dominate the Southeast/South-South and erode Tinubu's Northern votes—forcing reliance on rigging .
• Ethical Contrast: While Umahi brags "God used me," Obi's pledge for a *single term* prioritizes national healing over power retention—a stance even activists endorse .

4. The Fatal Flaw in Umahi's "Re-engagement" Theory
His call to "support other regions" for Igbo presidency is dangerously naive:
• History Lessons: Jonathan (South) was denied a second term despite zoning norms. Power isn't "given"; it's earned through principled resistance .
• Obi's Strategy: Building a multi-ethnic movement—like his Sokoto/Lagos campaign teams—is how Igbos gain presidency. Not through subservience to failing incumbents .
• Tinubu's Vulnerability: With Northern discontent rising (Kwankwaso attacking him) and economic turmoil, 2027 is winnable for Obi. Surrendering now betrays generations .

Conclusion: Obi’s Path vs. Umahi’s Subservience
Umahi’s speech reveals a troubling shift: from governor to Tinubu’s apologist. His "performance" boasts (e.g., Ebonyi roads) pale against Obi’s Anambra legacy—cleared pensions, education reform, and fiscal prudence without fanfare. True Igbo leadership isn’t begging for scraps at Tinubu’s table; it’s uniting Nigerians under a vision of justice and competence. Obi embodies this. When Umahi claims "we can’t get presidency by sentiments," he mistakes principle for naiveté. Obi’s 6.1 million votes prove otherwise—and in 2027, we’ll prove it again.

"Leadership isn’t about self—it’s about the people." – Dave Umahi .
We agree. That’s why Peter Obi fights.

APC represent evil. They used their broom to sweep Nigeria wealth to the dust being. Am not against Tinubu or Buhari they are great individuals, but against evil they brought to this nation call APC. I won't talk about Umahi because he is no body in IBO land. His hatred for Obi started when Atiku choose Obi as his vice Umahi complained then that Obi was new as PDP Member why would he be chosen instead of him. That animosity made him to leave PDP to APC. OBI Floors him to win even his ward during the election that brought Tinubu to power.
Umahi is never Obi match as an astute politician in IBO land.and in Nigeria generally.

Let umahi try it.

The "Igbo" will use him to show other tribes how to treat an unworthy brothers when they work for the "enemy" against the interests of the entire south east.

Aleister:
These people nor go allow Peter Obi name to rest…he be like say this name Dey give APThieves ereccctiion

But he is right. He has even thrown an open debate for anyone who thinks otherwise. In terms of performance as a Governor, he performed far better than your Peter Obi. Peter Obi was a collosal failure as a Governor. A Governor who didn't build a single school during his 8 years as Governor instead he built a brewery, that one na Governor? Obi left a debt of over 175 Billion for his successor. Poverty multiplied in Anambra during Obi's time as Governor. He was alleged to have a hand in the killing of over 1000 youths found in the Ezu river. Even Mazi Nnamdi Kanu called him out over the killings and even went as far as labelling Peter Obi a murderer. In terms of road construction in Anambra state, there was little of nothing to show during Obi's time as Governor. This is the same person who claims he can solve Nigeria's problems within 2 years. What a joke! Please fact check me on everything I mentioned about Peter Obi. Don't let sentiments cloud your sense of judgement. Obi has absolutely nothing to offer. He will NEVER rule this country called Nigeria. Know this and have peace!

Tinubumustgo:
Let umahi try it.

The "Igbo" will use him to show other tribes how to treat an unworthy brothers when they work for the "enemy" against the interests of the entire south east.

When it is time to vote Igbo for President, Nigeria won't seek validation from Igbo before electing a pan Nigeria from Igbo extraction to lead Nigeria. Peter Obi doesn't represent that, he is rather a tribal and divisive politician with proven record of vindictive tendency and myopic outlook.

Nigeria can no longer afford to vote a former governor with no single reform and legacy project to his name when he was a governor.

Ttalk:
When it is time to vote Igbo for President, Nigeria won't seek validation from Igbo before electing a pan Nigeria from Igbo extraction to lead Nigeria. Peter Obi doesn't represent that, he is rather a tribal and divisive politician with proven record of vindictive tendency and myopic outlook.

Nigeria can no longer afford to vote a former governor with no single reform and legacy project to his name when he was a governor.

You have said it all. Obidients are delusional set of people. Peter Obi was a collosal failure as Governor. He has absolutely nothing to offer.

mohims:
You have said it all. Obidients are delusional set of people. Peter Obi was a collosal failure as Governor. He has absolutely nothing to offer.

This is what Obidients who are now selling Obi the way they sell fake product said during Obi's tenure

If Obi is a failure what word can we now use to describe the drug sniffer in aso rock who failed both as governor and illegal President?
collosal failure I guess

mohims:
You have said it all. Obidients are delusional set of people. Peter Obi was a collosal failure as Governor. He has absolutely nothing to offer.

Walai:
If Obi is a failure what word can we now use to describe the drug sniffer in aso rock who failed both as governor and illegal President?
collosal failure I guess

For the fact that 25% Anambra relocated to Lagos between 1999 and 2007 is a testimony that Tinubu performance was better.

Show me one Lagosian that relocate to Anambra for economic reason?

Remember, Peter Obi lives in Lagos and only use. his Anambra house as campaign site. Peter Obi daughter also teach in Lagos and live in Lagos.

Ask yourself why are Anambra people running to Lagos if Peter Obi has turned Anambra to Dubau

You can as well contest for president under the APshit and leave Peter Obi for the people to decide.

Hmmmm.
Politics is really a very very dirty game . Sheesh !

After 8 years as Governor, Ebonyi state still has the highest number of out of school children in the South East.

Human capital development is so low.....😡

Wasted billions on an airport with an exterior that looks more like a children's play centre instead of human capital development, skilling the youths who are naturally hard working with vocational trainings rather than them being street hawkers across Nigeria.

I laughed reading this noise

he should keep dreaming

The sky is wide for everyone to fly. Nobody stops you from running, Engr Dave. But the day you declare your interest in the presidency, these folks you serve will suddenly remember that you are IPOB.

We currently renovated a three bedroom bungalow where a Chinese man moved in with his family to run a factory business. Does it mean Nigeria is better than China?

Ttalk:
For the fact that 25% Anambra relocated to Lagos between 1999 and 2007 is a testimony that Tinubu performance was better.

Show me one Lagosian that relocate to Anambra for economic reason?

Remember, Peter Obi lives in Lagos and only use. his Anambra house as campaign site. Peter Obi daughter also teach in Lagos and live in Lagos.

Ask yourself why are Anambra people running to Lagos if Peter Obi has turned Anambra to Dubau

Oga stop running your mouth and let Nigerians choose their leaders...... let our elections count and let's see how Nigerians appreciate you and your Tinubu.

Is that too difficult for APC terrorist organization to understand?

Nawaoo!


🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱

The APC ticket is not for tinubu along
You can as well challenge tinubu during the primaries to first test your popularity.

Dave Umahi has a national appeal and not the Obi wey dey lie upandan

Walai:
We currently renovated a three bedroom bungalow where a Chinese man moved in with his family to run a factory business. Does it mean Nigeria is better than China?

You talk of a Chinese man relocating to Lagos to tap from economic opportunity compared to Anambra escaping poverty to sell fan yogo and lacasera, how does that correlate?

Why didn't the Chinese man find such opportunity in Onitsha if Peter Obi left prosperity in the region

He doesn't have the popularity Peter Obi has, he's just trolling.

fnep2smooth:
As a devoted supporter of Peter Obi and the ideals he represents for Nigeria's future, I have a strong reaction to Dave Umahi's recent statements about Southeast governors supporting President Tinubu's re-election. Let me break this down with clarity and evidence:

1. The Myth of "Unanimous Support" in Southeast
Umahi claims "all five governors" back Tinubu, but this ignores critical realities:
• Partisan Divide: Three Southeast governors aren't from the APC (Enugu-PDP, Anambra-APGA, Abia-LP). Their parties haven't endorsed Tinubu, making Umahi's declaration presumptuous .
• Grassroots Disconnect: Obi won the Southeast decisively in 2023. Governors' political maneuvering doesn't reflect the people's will—evident in Obi's continued mass rallies despite government restrictions .
• Intimidation Tactics: APC governors like those in Edo and Benue have banned Obi from visiting, fearing his influence. This contradicts Umahi's "100% support" narrative .

2. Tinubu's "Favor" to Southeast: Reality vs. Rhetoric
Umahi boasts of Tinubu's infrastructure projects, but scrutiny exposes imbalances:
• Neglected Priorities: Critical Southeast projects like the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and Port Harcourt-Enugu rail are *decades* overdue. Completing them isn't generosity—it's basic governance .
• Regional Disparity: The ₦15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (toll-ready by December 2025) benefits Southwest/South-South disproportionately. Meanwhile, Southeast remains underserved .
• Appointment Tokenism: Tinubu naming Umahi Works Minister (first SE appointee) is a tactical move, not transformative inclusion. The Southeast still lacks key national security/economic roles .

3. Obi's Unmatched Cross-Regional Appeal
Umahi urges Igbos to "support other regions" for future presidency, ignoring Obi's proven viability:
• 2023 Proof: Obi outperformed Tinubu in *12 states*, including Northern strongholds like Nasarawa and Southern hubs like Edo. His appeal transcends ethnicity .
• Threat to Tinubu: APC fears Obi because he splits Tinubu's Southern base. In 2027, Obi could dominate the Southeast/South-South and erode Tinubu's Northern votes—forcing reliance on rigging .
• Ethical Contrast: While Umahi brags "God used me," Obi's pledge for a *single term* prioritizes national healing over power retention—a stance even activists endorse .

4. The Fatal Flaw in Umahi's "Re-engagement" Theory
His call to "support other regions" for Igbo presidency is dangerously naive:
• History Lessons: Jonathan (South) was denied a second term despite zoning norms. Power isn't "given"; it's earned through principled resistance .
• Obi's Strategy: Building a multi-ethnic movement—like his Sokoto/Lagos campaign teams—is how Igbos gain presidency. Not through subservience to failing incumbents .
• Tinubu's Vulnerability: With Northern discontent rising (Kwankwaso attacking him) and economic turmoil, 2027 is winnable for Obi. Surrendering now betrays generations .

Conclusion: Obi’s Path vs. Umahi’s Subservience
Umahi’s speech reveals a troubling shift: from governor to Tinubu’s apologist. His "performance" boasts (e.g., Ebonyi roads) pale against Obi’s Anambra legacy—cleared pensions, education reform, and fiscal prudence without fanfare. True Igbo leadership isn’t begging for scraps at Tinubu’s table; it’s uniting Nigerians under a vision of justice and competence. Obi embodies this. When Umahi claims "we can’t get presidency by sentiments," he mistakes principle for naiveté. Obi’s 6.1 million votes prove otherwise—and in 2027, we’ll prove it again.

"Leadership isn’t about self—it’s about the people." – Dave Umahi .
We agree. That’s why Peter Obi fights.

I just laugh and admire your being delusional at its peak because you don't seem to understand that election itself is dynamic.

And Nigerians will support you wholeheartedly.

You are not just running mouth or rely on ethnic sentiments like Peter Obi, you are a great achiever and your achievements will surely speak volumes if you contest.

Umahi for 2039 presidency!

mohims:
But he is right. He has even thrown an open debate for anyone who thinks otherwise. In terms of performance as a Governor, he performed far better than your Peter Obi. Peter Obi was a collosal failure as a Governor. A Governor who didn't build a single school during his 8 years as Governor instead he built a brewery, that one na Governor? Obi left a debt of over 175 Billion for his successor. Poverty multiplied in Anambra during Obi's time as Governor. He was alleged to have a hand in the killing of over 1000 youths found in the Ezu river. Even Mazi Nnamdi Kanu called him out over the killings and even went as far as labelling Peter Obi a murderer. In terms of road construction in Anambra state, there was little of nothing to show during Obi's time as Governor. This is the same person who claims he can solve Nigeria's problems within 2 years. What a joke! Please fact check me on everything I mentioned about Peter Obi. Don't let sentiments cloud your sense of judgement. Obi has absolutely nothing to offer. He will NEVER rule this country called Nigeria. Know this and have peace!

If Umahi decides to contest APC presidential ticket with Tinubu today, he will turn to devil. Look at what you guys did to Osibanjo, so qho is Umahi. Let him keep fooling himself.
Rochas did more than this, today where is he.

Ttalk:
For the fact that 25% Anambra relocated to Lagos between 1999 and 2007 is a testimony that Tinubu performance was better.

Show me one Lagosian that relocate to Anambra for economic reason?

Remember, Peter Obi lives in Lagos and only use. his Anambra house as campaign site. Peter Obi daughter also teach in Lagos and live in Lagos.

Ask yourself why are Anambra people running to Lagos if Peter Obi has turned Anambra to Dubau

Wait show me the source of your statistics. Show us the %rate of migration from Anambra to Lagos. Again can you be bold enough to show us PO's house in Lagos? Again do you know there is a thriving Yoruba community in Anambra state, and guess what theybre there for economic reasons.
The obsession you guys have against Obi will be your downfall because rather than make people hate him, it is achieving the opposite.

mohims:
You have said it all. Obidients are delusional set of people. Peter Obi was a collosal failure as Governor. He has absolutely nothing to offer.

Gbam

Simple sense obiendence never apply to the structure of the party

Bar1941:
And Nigerians will support you wholeheartedly.

You are not just running mouth or rely on ethnic sentiments like Peter Obi, you are a great achiever and your achievements will surely speak volumes if you contest.

Umahi for 2039 presidency!

Where did PO rely on ethnic sentiments? Tinubu also relied on ethnic sentiments with the Emi lo kan statement.