Ohanaeze Urges Tinubu to Consolidate Umahi’s Infrastructure Gains, Lists Seaport, Rail, Airport, New State

ABUJA — The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has said the infrastructure achievements of Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, have improved the perception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration among people in the Southeast ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The organisation, however, urged President Tinubu to consolidate the perceived goodwill by delivering more strategic infrastructure, addressing demands for additional state creation and pursuing national reconciliation.

In a press release issued on Friday, September 11, 2026, Ohanaeze said the 2027 election would be influenced by performance, political inclusion, development and the ability of the Federal Government to respond to longstanding concerns across different regions.

According to the organisation, Umahi’s visibility in the construction and rehabilitation of federal roads has provided the Tinubu administration with a stronger physical presence in the Southeast.

Ohanaeze said the minister had become a “major bridge” between the Federal Government and the Southeast through his infrastructure activities.

Umahi’s Performance Has Changed the Conversation — Ohanaeze

Ohanaeze said the Southeast had for years complained about inadequate federal infrastructure despite the region’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

The group argued that continued execution of federal road projects could strengthen public confidence in the administration and demonstrate the strategic importance of the Southeast to the Federal Government.

“Umahi has done the political groundwork; consolidate it with more development,” the organisation said.

Ohanaeze urged the administration to ensure that completed projects are maintained, abandoned projects revived and new strategic infrastructure introduced across the region.

Ndigbo Will Assess Candidates Ahead of 2027

The organisation also cautioned political parties against assuming that Ndigbo would automatically support any presidential candidate or opposition platform based solely on historical political sentiments.

Ohanaeze said the political consciousness of the Southeast had evolved and that voters would assess the records, programmes and commitments of all presidential candidates before making their choices in 2027.

The group said the Southeast had previously experienced the consequences of fragmented voting patterns and political calculations that failed to translate electoral influence into concrete development.

It argued that votes should produce measurable political value, representation and development.

Ohanaeze Lists Six Demands for Tinubu

The organisation outlined six major areas where it wants the Tinubu administration to increase its intervention in the Southeast.

1. Southeast Deep-Sea Port

Ohanaeze called for accelerated development of a functional deep-sea port around the Azumiri Blue River axis of Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, subject to the necessary technical, environmental and statutory approvals.

The organisation said the project could provide the Southeast with a major maritime gateway, reduce dependence on distant ports and strengthen the region’s access to domestic and international markets.

2. Additional State Creation

Ohanaeze urged President Tinubu to reopen discussions on equitable state creation and ensure that the Southeast is considered in any constitutionally established process.

The organisation referenced its previous advocacy on state creation, including recommendations it said were advanced in 2018.

It stressed, however, that any state-creation exercise must comply with constitutional requirements and be based on equity and broad national consensus.

3. International Airport Infrastructure

The group also called for stronger Federal Government intervention to establish and maintain internationally competitive aviation infrastructure in the Southeast.

It said improved air connectivity was important to the region’s entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors and diaspora community.

4. UNTH Enugu Revitalisation

Ohanaeze called for the comprehensive revitalisation of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

The organisation said restoring the institution to a standard commensurate with its historical importance would strengthen healthcare delivery and human-capital development in the region.

5. Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway

The group urged the Federal Government to sustain implementation of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri standard-gauge railway corridor, subject to funding, technical feasibility and applicable procurement requirements.

Ohanaeze described the railway as strategically important to regional economic integration, arguing that its revival could reconnect markets, industries and communities.

6. More Federal Roads

The organisation further called for continued rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion of critical federal highways linking the Southeast with the Niger Delta, North-Central and other parts of Nigeria.

Ohanaeze Appeals for Nnamdi Kanu Reconciliation

Ohanaeze also appealed to President Tinubu to consider presidential clemency or other constitutionally available relief for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other eligible persons, subject to Nigerian law and due process.

The organisation said reconciliation should be viewed as an important component of nation-building.

According to Ohanaeze, a lawful reconciliation process could help reduce longstanding grievances, strengthen confidence in the federation and create a more favourable environment for peace and economic development in the Southeast.

Group Wants Independence Anniversary to Mark New Beginning

As Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, Ohanaeze urged President Tinubu to use the occasion to announce measures aimed at strengthening national cohesion and demonstrating equitable federal presence across the country.

The group said the anniversary should provide an opportunity to articulate a “new national compact” based on fairness, development and equal opportunity.

It said such commitments could include infrastructure, maritime development, transportation, healthcare, aviation and constitutional reforms addressing concerns about equitable representation.

‘Umahi Has Opened the Door’

Ohanaeze maintained that Umahi’s role as Works Minister extends beyond road construction, arguing that his direct engagement with communities through infrastructure projects has helped make the Federal Government more visible in the Southeast.

The organisation urged Tinubu not to squander the political goodwill it believes has been generated by the minister’s activities.

“Umahi has opened the door through infrastructure. President Tinubu now has the opportunity to walk through it with history-making decisions for Ndigbo and Nigeria,” Ohanaeze said.

The organisation said it would continue to engage presidential candidates and political platforms based on performance, fairness, constitutional inclusion, economic opportunity and the interests of Ndigbo within a united Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, and Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Acting Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

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