Minister of Works David Umahi has launched a fresh attack on former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, describing him as desperate for power. Umahi made the remarks while inspecting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway in Epe. He insisted that the South East region remains loyal to President Bola Tinubu and would reject Obi’s candidacy in the next election.

The minister was responding to reports claiming Obi had promised to halt Tinubu’s infrastructure projects if elected. Umahi said Obi simply wants to become president by all means, adding that deceit would not help the people. It remains unclear whether Obi actually made the comments attributed to him.

Umahi challenged Obi’s supporters to compare both leaders’ records as governors. He argued that Tinubu’s vision in Lagos now reflects in national projects like the coastal highway.

The minister also took issue with Obi’s past criticism of the government’s focus on new roads.

Umahi also accused Obi of failing to be honest about his positions on IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu. He faulted Obi for what he described as silence during periods of insecurity and the Monday sit-at-home order. According to Umahi, leaders should take responsibility for their past actions.

Umahi declared that Ebonyi State had already adopted Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the entire South East shares that loyalty. His comments come as political tensions rise, with the region emerging as a key battleground for the upcoming polls.