The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has dismissed the emerging political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election as lacking both credibility and identity.
During a Sallah celebration with the Muslim community in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Umahi described those behind the alliance—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other politicians—as “faceless opposition elements” with no tangible political alternative.
“President Tinubu has delivered quality leadership to Nigerians and deserves a second term,” Umahi said, defending the President’s performance in office.
He pointed to what he called Tinubu’s achievements in governance and national integration, which, he argued, stand as evidence of effective leadership and a clear break from the past.
“Before now, many South-East states had no federal projects. Today, the federal presence is visible across the region. That is what true national integration looks like,” Umahi declared.
Since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, calls for unity and reintegration of historically marginalised regions such as the South-East have remained a sensitive issue in national discourse. Umahi credited the administration with changing the narrative by appointing individuals from the region to key positions, including himself as Minister of Works, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Minister of Science and Technology.
“We lost political ground in the past, but this government is bringing us back. It’s not yet perfect, but we are no longer left behind. We must acknowledge that and support the President,” he added.
Umahi urged residents of the South-East to reject separatist rhetoric and instead embrace dialogue and inclusion in national politics.
“The South-East must count one before counting two. We need reintegration, not isolation. President Tinubu has started this process we must not waste the opportunity,” he stated.
His comments come amid reports of discussions between opposition figures from across party lines exploring a united platform to challenge Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress in 2027. The talks involve Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West) Salihu Lukman.
While these talks remain informal, the coalition movement has sparked debate about the possibility of forming a “third force” capable of disrupting the traditional two-party dominance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
However, Umahi dismissed the effort as lacking structure and purpose, reiterating his belief that Tinubu’s style of leadership had won the trust of a broader section of Nigerians.
He further praised the President’s efforts in fostering national unity and interfaith dialogue, citing his recent decision to lead a Nigerian delegation to the Vatican as a landmark event in religious diplomacy.
“That was a unique and historic gesture that surprised many Christians and highlighted a new era of religious tolerance,” Umahi said.
