Minister of Works David Umahi has declared that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), cannot win the 2027 presidential election.
Umahi made the statement in Abuja on Tuesday while receiving a report from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) following its nationwide inspection of federal roads.
The minister called on political and community leaders in the South-East to explain what he described as the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the region.
“The more we educate our people, the less votes Peter Obi will get. Peter Obi cannot win in 2027,” Umahi said.
He argued that greater awareness of federal government projects, appointments and other measures would influence political support in the region.
Umahi also praised Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting Tinubu and urged Nigerians to respect the political choices of those who back the President.
The minister’s comments form part of the growing political debate over the South-East’s role in the 2027 presidential election. Obi, a former Anambra State governor, retains a significant political profile in the region, while Tinubu’s administration has sought to highlight federal infrastructure and development initiatives there.
Umahi’s statement about the election is a political prediction, not an independently verifiable electoral outcome. The eventual result will depend on voters, candidates, party organisation, the electoral process and other factors.