Minister of Works, David Umahi has argued that Peter Obi cannot be regarded as the South-East’s best presidential candidate, insisting that the region has other qualified political figures capable of seeking Nigeria’s highest office.

Umahi made the remarks during a television interview on Friday while defending South-East political leaders supporting President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

The former Ebonyi State governor criticised Obi for allegedly failing to consult governors and other influential political stakeholders in the region before pursuing his presidential ambition in 2023.

Umahi maintained that anyone seeking to represent the political interests of the South-East at the national level should first engage regional leaders and build consensus.

He argued that presidential ambitions presented as representing an entire region should not be pursued without consultations with those whose interests the candidate claims to represent.

The minister said he would have consulted political leaders across the region if he had decided to contest the presidency, stressing that political engagement was necessary to secure broader support.

He also challenged the view that Obi should automatically be considered the region’s strongest presidential contender because of his performance in the 2023 election.

Umahi insisted that the South-East had several qualified politicians who could be considered for the presidency and that no individual should be treated as the region’s only viable option.