The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared that Nigerians will reject what he described as “politics of deceit” in the 2027 general elections, insisting that credible leadership must be anchored on honesty, accountability, and verifiable records of service.
Umahi made the remarks on Friday, June 19, 2026, during an inspection of Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway in Epe, Lagos State.
The Minister was reacting to reports circulating on social media alleging that former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, had promised to discontinue President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legacy infrastructure projects if elected President.
According to Umahi, such a position, if true, would be unacceptable to Nigerians who are more concerned about continuity in governance and national development.
“When my brother Peter Obi said, as I saw on social media, that he would stop the legacy projects, that was a very painful statement. I hope he didn’t say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position,” he said.
He stressed that leadership must be rooted in truthfulness and consistency, warning against what he described as deliberate distortion of facts for political gain.
“One of the things I hate most is deceit,” Umahi stated.
The Minister further referenced his past working relationship with Obi during their time in the South-East political leadership structure, noting that public office holders must be willing to stand by their actions while in office.
“I was Deputy Governor when my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, was Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum,” he said.
Umahi also spoke on issues of insecurity in the South-East, particularly the sit-at-home order, expressing concern over what he described as silence from some political actors.
“Nobody should joke with the thousands of Southeast people who were killed in the process. People sit at home every Monday, and he has not spoken against it. He simply wants to become President by all means, and that is not good for our people,” he stated.
On national infrastructure development, Umahi defended ongoing federal projects, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing it as a reflection of President Tinubu’s long-term vision for economic growth and regional connectivity.
“This project is highly innovative. I only saw the report on social media, but standing here today, it shows the vision of President Bola Tinubu beyond his time as Governor of Lagos State,” he said.
He also challenged political supporters of Obi to compare the developmental records of former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, particularly in terms of enduring infrastructure and master planning.
“I have challenged the Obedient Movement to compare President Bola Tinubu’s record as Governor of Lagos State with that of Peter Obi as Governor of Anambra State,” Umahi said.
The Minister further reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, disclosing that Ebonyi State had already endorsed the President.
“We recently adopted President Tinubu in Ebonyi State. I will not stop speaking. I will not stop defending Nigerians and our people,” he added.
In a strong political statement, Umahi declared that the South-East would continue to align with the current administration, insisting that political loyalty was already shifting in favour of President Tinubu.
“Ebonyi is not for the Obedient Movement. Our loyalty is to President Bola Tinubu, and so is that of the entire Southeast. People will see it,” he said.
He concluded with a personal conviction about Nigeria’s political future, urging leaders to embrace sincerity and transparency.
“Mark my words. I am also a prophet and a priest. Mark my words, and it will come to pass by the power of God,” Umahi added.
The inspection of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway forms part of ongoing federal efforts to expand critical infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity, trade, and economic integration across Nigeria’s coastal corridor.
