Umahi Declares It's Not Yet Igbos' Turn for Presidency

On September 24, 2026, Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, addressed the 'Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road' event in Benin City, Edo State, asserting that the South-East region will eventually have a president but emphasized that the time has not yet come. He expressed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating, "it is not the turn of Igbos yet," and criticized those who claim Igbos can never attain the presidency.

Umahi also rejected comparisons with Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, arguing that there are no areas where Obi surpasses him in family background, intellectual capacity, or public service contributions. He defended the Tinubu administration against criticisms and stated that those who condemn others should be ready for scrutiny of their own records.

Additionally, Umahi provided an update on the Benin-Asaba Road, announcing that the Federal Government has begun temporary intervention work on the 136-kilometre route, with plans for redesigning the dualisation project under Tinubu's directive.