The 2027 presidential race is already taking shape in Anambra—and Dave Umahi says the opposition’s biggest challenge may be political cooperation within the state.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi says the APC and APGA are working together as progressive political forces and that their cooperation will help President Bola Tinubu secure Anambra State in the 2027 presidential election.
Umahi made the remarks on Friday while inspecting the Obosi-Ogbunike-Ogidi interchange road, which connects to the Second Niger Bridge in Anambra.
He also weighed in on Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions, saying that although the former Anambra governor remains his friend, he has repeatedly told Obi that he does not believe he can win the presidency.
You might want to read this: Atiku Vows to Reopen Nigeria’s Land Borders If Elected in 2027
Why Anambra Matters
The political alignment Umahi referenced has its roots in comments made by Governor Chukwuma Soludo during his 2025 re-election campaign.
During Tinubu’s visit to Anambra to commission projects carried out by Soludo’s administration, the governor presented APGA and APC as progressive parties with common political ground.
Soludo described APGA as the first registered progressive party and APC as the country’s largest progressive political organisation. He also declared his support for Tinubu’s bid for another term.
Umahi argued that developments in the South-East under the Tinubu administration contradict claims that the region is being neglected.
He said criticism of marginalisation has become particularly prominent on social media, but questioned whether those making such claims had raised similar concerns under previous administrations.
Umahi Predicts a Tinubu Victory
Umahi was unequivocal about his prediction for 2027.
He said Tinubu would win re-election, while describing Anambra as an important base for the President and pointing to cooperation among progressive political forces in the state.
The minister also referenced the most recent off-cycle governorship election in Anambra, arguing that progressive parties had demonstrated significant electoral strength there.
His broader message was clear: APC-APGA cooperation could become a major factor in Tinubu’s campaign strategy in Anambra.
What Umahi Said About Peter Obi
Umahi also addressed Peter Obi’s chances of becoming president.
Despite their friendship, he said he had been candid with Obi about his assessment of the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s prospects.
Umahi argued that even overwhelming support from the South-East alone would not be enough to deliver the presidency, which requires a much broader national coalition.
He added that he intends to continue expressing his views despite criticism directed at him on social media.
A Call for Voters to Turn Out
Umahi urged South-Eastern voters who support Tinubu to demonstrate that support at the ballot box in 2027.
His argument was practical: political support has little electoral value if supporters do not actually vote.
He encouraged residents to participate in the election rather than stay away from polling stations and suggested that voting for Tinubu would be a way of acknowledging the federal government’s infrastructure investments in the region.
He also maintained that Tinubu’s eventual victory would not depend on whether critics accepted his prediction.
Contractors Told to Move Faster
The minister’s political comments came during an infrastructure inspection.
Umahi instructed contractors working on the project to increase the pace of construction and directed engineers working under the Ministry of Works nationwide to closely monitor projects.
He stressed the need for completed infrastructure to meet the specifications, standards and commitments agreed with contractors.
Timothy Emenike, Acting Controller of Works in Anambra State, commended Umahi for his regular inspections of road and other infrastructure projects.
According to Emenike, the minister’s field inspections help ensure contractors remain accountable for delivering projects to the required specifications.
The Bigger Picture
Umahi’s comments combine two increasingly important themes ahead of 2027: infrastructure delivery in the South-East and efforts to consolidate political support for Tinubu.
With APGA and APC increasingly being presented by their leaders as progressive allies, Anambra could become a significant battleground in the next presidential contest.