According to a report by Viable TV on Sunday, August 17, 2025, the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, has openly declared himself the authentic political voice of the South East, throwing a direct challenge to Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, for a public debate on their individual records and contributions to the region.
In the video broadcast, Umahi dismissed Obi’s claim of commanding total loyalty in the South East, warning that political dominance cannot be proclaimed without being tested against performance and achievements. “All the South East governors are behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi said. “I saw a man running his mouth, saying the only place he has 100% support is the South East, and he was talking about my brother, Peter Obi. If the presidency will come to the South East, I should be at the forefront because of my performance,” he asserted.
Highlighting his stewardship in Ebonyi State, Umahi credited his leadership for the state’s transformation, describing his tenure as a model of development. He maintained that his accomplishments as governor—and now as Minister of Works—speak louder than claims of popularity. “Let us go head-to-head. Governor to governor, record to record. I stand proud, for God has used me, and now through President Tinubu, I have been positioned to serve the South East even more,” he declared.
Umahi further emphasized the importance of strategic alliances, cautioning that emotions and sentiments cannot deliver the presidency to the region. He pointed out that states such as Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, and Anambra are witnessing visible commitment to the current administration.
“My message to Ndigbo is simple: we must re-engage. Leadership comes by performance and God’s timing, not sentiment. When the moment comes, no one can block it,” Umahi concluded.
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