Minister of Works David Umahi has dismissed the Peter Obi 2027 presidential bid, insisting that the former Anambra State governor cannot win. Umahi spoke on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a report from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on its inspection of federal roads. However, he quickly turned the event into a political message for the South-East.
Umahi did not soften his words. “Peter Obi cannot win the 2027 presidential election,” he said. He then told the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate to change course. “He should stop canvassing for votes,” the minister added. As a result, the remarks spread fast on social media, where users are already trading sharp reactions.
“Peter Obi Cannot Win The 2027 Presidential Election. He Should Stop Canvassing For Votes. What Has He Done For The People Of The South-East? He Keeps Saying, ‘We Go And Verify,’ What’s Not In Existence. We Need To Take This Message To Our People In The South-East Not To Vote For… pic.twitter.com/3SN3TmTFVk
— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) September 23, 2026
Umahi also questioned Obi’s record in the region he claims as his base. “What has he done for the people of the South-East?” he asked. Furthermore, he mocked Obi’s habit of promising to check on projects. According to Umahi, Obi keeps saying “we go and verify” about projects that do not exist.
The minister then turned to South-East leaders and asked them to carry his message home. “We need to take this message to our people in the South-East,” he said. He urged voters to reject Obi and support President Bola Tinubu instead. In addition, he argued that public education will shrink Obi’s support. “The more we educate our people, the less votes Peter Obi will get,” he said.
Umahi also praised Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for openly backing the President. He asked Nigerians to stop insulting Tinubu’s supporters and to let people back whom they choose. He further claimed that the Tinubu administration had done more for the South-East than previous governments. Specifically, he pointed to appointments, inclusion and infrastructure projects. He explained that the Federal Government provides 30 per cent of the cost of legacy projects, while tolling repays loans covering the balance.
These comments target a region that matters greatly to Obi. The South-East heavily favoured Obi in the 2023 presidential election. Therefore, any shift in the region’s loyalty could reshape the 2027 race. Umahi has made similar claims before. In July, he described allegations of a conspiracy against Obi as “cheap sentiments.” He also insisted that the South-East will vote massively for Tinubu.
Meanwhile, reactions online remain divided. Obi’s supporters rejected the minister’s claims and mocked the prediction. Tinubu’s supporters, on the other hand, welcomed the call for a stronger campaign in the South-East.
Notably, Umahi comes from the South-East himself. He served as Ebonyi State governor before joining the federal cabinet, so he speaks with local weight. Critics, however, will likely ask whether road projects alone can decide how a region votes. Obi’s allies will also likely point to his popularity among young voters.
Sojworldnews will update this report if Obi or his campaign responds. For now, the exchange shows how early and how fierce the battle for the South-East has become. Consequently, both camps will probably intensify their efforts in the coming months. Stay with Sojworldnews for more updates on the 2027 election.
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