Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, has expressed his presidential ambition, hinting that he may become Nigeria’s president from the South-East geopolitical zone in God’s appointed time.
Speaking at various engagements, including celebrations in Ebonyi and public remarks, Umahi said his aspiration is motivated by a desire to represent the South-East on the national stage and contribute to Nigeria’s political integration and development.
While affirming his loyalty and support for the incumbent President Bola Tinubu, Umahi was optimistic about the future of the South-East and himself in the national political landscape, saying, “I may become Nigeria’s president from the South-East in God’s time.”
Umahi has credited the current government with significant federal presence and development projects in the South-East, highlighting how previous marginalization is giving way to infrastructural investments like roads and bridges. He praised the President for appointing key South-East indigenes to strategic federal positions, including himself as Minister of Works.
He also called on the South-East to unify, eschew divisive politics, and rally behind the leadership that fosters national unity and regional reintegration. “Leadership is about serving the people,” Umahi stressed, urging traditional and political leaders to support collective progress over individual ambitions.
The minister's statements come ahead of key political contests leading to the 2027 general elections, where zoning and regional representation remain significant factors in presidential candidacy considerations.
In recent years, Umahi has been active in national discourse, projecting a vision of inclusive governance and equitable development, positioning himself as a unifying figure for the South-East.
While not formally launching a presidential campaign, Umahi’s remarks have fueled speculation about his potential candidacy, as he continues to engage in regional consensus-building and federal infrastructural advancements that bolster his political profile.