“Is He Better Than Me, the Lion of the South-East?” — Umahi Vows to Deliver 1.3 Million Votes to Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Ebonyi State!
ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA — In a explosive political declaration that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape, the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has launched a blistering verbal assault against former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.
Speaking during a high-stakes town hall meeting in Abakaliki organized by the Directorate of Infrastructure, Mobilisation, and Sensitisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Umahi boldly declared that the South-East geopolitical zone has NO presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
“WHO IS PETER OBI BETTER THAN?”
Striking a defiant tone before a packed audience of party chieftains, community elders, and political supporters, the Works Minister dismissed Obi’s presidential pedigree, declaring him “nobody”.
“You insult anybody who is not supporting Peter Obi. Anybody who is not supporting Peter Obi is a saboteur; you insult the person. Who is Peter Obi better than? Who is he better than? Is he better than Sam Egwu? Is he better than Elias Mbam? Is he better than the Lion of the South-East, myself? Is he better than Anyim Pius? Who is he better than?” — Engr. Dave Umahi
Umahi urged Ndigbo to abandon political sentiment and embrace long-term political strategy by adopting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
“Igbo man needs wisdom, not sentiments. Igbo man should not allow people to be dishing hate speeches on social media on their behalf. There is no way an Igbo man, after staying for 60 years, will want to be President for four years. Nobody can accept that… We are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finish his remaining four years so that the South-East would have strategically supported another region, so that when it is our turn, we will not get this thing by hate speeches or sentiments!” — Engr. Dave Umahi
UMAHI’S BOLD 1.3 MILLION VOTE GUARANTEE
Taking his rhetoric a step further, the former governor boasted that he would lock down Ebonyi State for the ruling party, promising to deliver 1.3 million votes out of the state’s 1.8 million registered voters for President Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru. He warned political opponents planning to challenge Governor Nwifuru in 2027 that they were simply “jokers.”
He also called on traditional rulers and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to drop their neutrality and openly endorse President Tinubu ahead of 2027.
NIGERIANS REACT: SOCIAL MEDIA INTENSIFIES AS ‘OBIDIENTS’ AND APC LOYALISTS CLASH
Dave Umahi’s fiery outburst in Abakaliki has ignited widespread public outrage and intense debate across online platforms and political circles.
1. The ‘Obidient’ Backlash: “Who Made You the Lion?”
Supporters of Peter Obi and members of the opposition swiftly took to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to condemn the Minister’s remarks. Critics accused Umahi of “political self-aggrandizement” and betraying the democratic aspirations of the South-East region.
- Many users mocked his self-proclaimed title of “Lion of the South-East,” questioning how a minister overseeing federal road infrastructure could claim to speak on behalf of millions of South-Easterners.
- Commentators argued that Obi’s historic performance in 2023 proved his popularity, and dismissed Umahi’s comments as an attempt to curry political favor with Aso Rock.
2. APC & Tinubu Chieftains Defend Umahi
Conversely, ruling APC loyalists and regional allies came out strongly in support of the Works Minister.
- Pro-Tinubu groups echoed Umahi’s stance, arguing that Ndigbo must play “mainstream national politics” rather than remaining in opposition alignment.
- Supporters pointed to ongoing Federal Government infrastructure projects in the South-East under Umahi’s supervision—such as major road rehabilitations and strategic cabinet appointments—as tangible evidence of President Tinubu’s inclusion of the zone.
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