•Tinubu and el-Rufai
The Southeast All Progressives Congress (APC) Renewal Movement (SARM) has sounded the alarm over a looming threat to President Bola Tinubu’s political fortunes in the South-East, accusing Minister of Works David Umahi of jeopardising key infrastructure projects in the region.
National Coordinator of SARM, Mr Osita Okechukwu, alleged that Umahi’s actions were undermining the completion of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, a critical 110-kilometre road being constructed under the MTN Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (RITCS), reports The Guardian.
He claimed that Umahi issued an unnecessary stop-work order, disrupting the project, which had previously progressed smoothly.
Okechukwu expressed regret that the South-East, which benefited from the nationwide RITCS scheme, was now facing setbacks allegedly caused by the minister, whom he referred to as “our own big brother.” The group attributed recent traffic challenges, including accidents such as a devastating oil tanker explosion that claimed several lives, to the halted construction.
When asked about the allegations, Umahi responded tersely, saying, “shame on them.”
SARM called on President Tinubu to investigate the situation, warning that delays in the road project could harm voter mobilisation efforts in the region ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Okechukwu dismissed allegations that Umahi was acting on Tinubu’s instructions but noted that political opponents were using the issue to fuel suspicions.
“Umahi has not only issued a stop-work order but altered the project’s scope by removing key components like the 9th Mile Flyover and solar lighting meant for security purposes,” Okechukwu stated.
“This project was designed to avoid the cumbersome budgetary process, and his actions defy logic.”
He noted that SARM was alarmed and had to question where the minister, who for over one year had no money to fix an ordinary collapsed bridge at the neck of the Enugu-Port Harcourt road, sourced alternate funding when he threatened in a press statement to revoke MTN’s N202 billion Enugu-Onitsha Express Road goodwill contract.
Okechukwu urged Tinubu to intervene, describing Umahi’s actions as an “unholy assault” on the South-East. He emphasised the need for the administration to maintain the region’s economic development and counter stereotypes. SARM highlighted its efforts to promote Tinubu’s initiatives, including the proposed South-East Development Commission (SEDC), which aims to improve infrastructure like electricity, roads, and ICT.
“Mr President, this intervention is vital for the unity and progress of Ndigbo and the success of your administration,” Okechukwu added.
However, Umahi expressed strong confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027, completing an eight-year tenure as Nigeria’s leader.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Phase 1 at the Eko Hotel in Lagos yesterday, Umahi stated that Tinubu’s achievements and determination would ensure his re-election, which he described as ordained by God.
“A man that has the courage to do what was dreamt 45 years back is the only man that will have the courage to finish it,” Umahi declared. “I say we must vote for him in 2027. The President must be re-elected by the power of God. Those in support say ‘hi’.”
Umahi, a two-term governor of Ebonyi State, highlighted Tinubu’s contributions to the South-East since assuming office in 2023, asserting that the region would fully back the President in the upcoming election.
He noted that the Tinubu administration had initiated significant federal projects in the South-East and other parts of the country, showcasing its commitment to development across Nigeria.
“We have no reason to stop the work, but we have every reason to do the right thing, and it is not peculiar to that job; that is what we are doing in all the projects,” Umahi said.
Specifically, he mentioned projects such as the Enugu to Abakaliki road, the Afikpo-Abia-Okigwe road, and other initiatives, which he described as part of Tinubu’s legacy achievements. Umahi further emphasised that the Igbo people would rally behind Tinubu, pledging an overwhelming voter turnout for the President in 2027.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to have 99 per cent of the votes of the South-East because he has been very nice to the people of the South-East,” he stated.
“They will leave South-West to give us 99.99 per cent in 2027.”
This was as former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, urged alliances and coalitions across political divides ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasising the need to “rescue” Nigeria.
El-Rufai made the call during a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman and Niger Delta advocate, Edwin Clark. He highlighted the historical alliance between the North and the South-South, urging a return to such partnerships to address the nation’s challenges.
“In the 60s, 70s and 80s, the traditional political partners of the North was the South-South. Let us not forget that. Let us go back to that. Let us save this country because it really requires saving. We need a rescue operation,” he said.
The visit, led by former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, also saw el-Rufai commend Atiku for spearheading economic reforms during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar campaign organisation, stated that the meeting was part of strategies for the 2027 elections. In recent weeks, el-Rufai, who has had a falling out with the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has been meeting with members of opposition parties, sparking speculations about his political future.
Meanwhile, former Akwa Ibom State governor, Obong Victor Attah, expressed concerns over heightened tension in Nigeria’s political landscape as the 2027 elections approach.
Speaking at the commissioning of a N102 million asphalt overlay road in Ilorin, Kwara State, over the weekend, Attah highlighted the need for constitutional reform before the next general elections.
The project, a one-kilometre road with drainage on both sides, was fully funded by Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a former APC presidential aspirant. Attah commended Olawepo-Hashim for the initiative, describing it as a development that would enhance the health, social, and economic well-being of the community.
Addressing journalists after the inauguration, Attah warned against proceeding with elections under the current constitution, stating, “Nobody should attempt to go into election with this constitution in 2027. This is because the tension is too high, and we need to resolve all the problems facing us.”
The former governor, known for his advocacy for resource control, criticised the current system, saying Nigeria lacks a cohesive nation and suffers from the absence of national and economic policies.
“That is all I am preaching,” he said.
“It’s not about insecurity, health, or economic issues, but we have failed to develop the country into a nation with common shared values.”
Attah argued that Nigeria’s unity remains fragile, insisting that a new constitution reflecting equality, equity, and justice is essential for the nation’s survival.
“Nobody can be forced into a union and told to form a country, and they will agree to stay. Until we have a constitution that Nigerians prepared for themselves and are using with shared values, equality, equity, and justice, believe me, we can ruin this country,” he cautioned.
In a related development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside members of the Hope Uzodimma-led Progressives Governors Forum and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling APC, is set to determine a date for the party’s long-awaited elective convention.
Key issues to be addressed at the national caucus and National Executive Council (NEC) meetings, scheduled for tomorrow and Wednesday, include preparations for the forthcoming Anambra governorship election and strategies to raise funds for the party’s daily operations.
The meetings will be held at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall and the APC national secretariat in Abuja.
Expected attendees include former President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima, his predecessor Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje will lead party officials from across the country.
Other matters for deliberation include consolidating the newly established Progressive Institute (TPI), rolling out electronic membership registration, and reviewing the financial/audit report for 2022/2023 alongside the party’s 2025 budget proposal. The NEC will also assess the concluded off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo States, where the APC emerged victorious.
Ganduje had recently highlighted the importance of digitising membership registration. Speaking during an agreement-signing ceremony with Tunmef Global Limited, the consultancy handling the e-membership project, he argued that the initiative would provide accurate data for planning and litigation.
However, the issue of constituting the APC Board of Trustees (now renamed the National Advisory Council), pending since the party’s formation in 2013, remains absent from the NEC’s agenda.
Salihu Lukman, a former APC national vice chairman, criticised the omission in a protest letter to President Tinubu. Lukman accused the NWC of monopolising decision-making powers, asserting that many actions taken by the committee violate the APC Constitution, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act 2022.
Lukman, who resigned from the APC last year in protest, expressed concern over the lack of inclusivity in decision-making.
“As things are, we have been regressing democratically as a nation,” he stated.
“Serial decisions taken without reference to APC organs have resulted in outright violations of constitutional provisions and the establishment of exclusive governments at all levels.”
