The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has called on the Southeast to take a strategic approach in positioning the region to produce Nigeria’s next president after Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Umahi made this appeal on Thursday while commissioning the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway for vehicular use, a step aimed at reducing traffic congestion ahead of the Easter celebrations.

The minister also expressed optimism that the Southeast would deliver up to 80 percent of its votes to Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

“I want to call on the leaders of the Southeast to be bold in persuading our people to vote for Mr. President,” he said.

He emphasized that governance should focus on development, infrastructure, fairness, equity, and justice.

Umahi further urged for strong electoral support, stating: “We can’t afford to give him anything less than 80 percent; do that and leave the rest to us. We’ll boldly go to the negotiation table.

“Let no one divide our votes, let no one confuse us. I was already advocating this in 2023 when I was governor—prepare the way for the Lord.”