Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has dismissed concerns over Peter Obi’s political strength ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying the former Anambra State governor does not pose a threat to President Bola Tinubu or the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Umahi made the assertion during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he argued that Obi was not the only presidential aspirant from the South-East.
“By the way, it is not only Peter Obi that is from the South-East that is contesting. We have about three or four other presidential candidates who are contesting.
“We have the Labour Party and I think there are other two, even a woman is involved. So, Peter Obi is not a threat as far as I am concerned,” Umahi said.
The minister, however, said his assessment should not be interpreted as an attempt to underestimate Obi, stressing that the APC would rely on its record in government to attract voters, particularly in the South-East.
Umahi maintained that the performance of the Tinubu administration would remain central to the APC’s campaign as the party seeks to consolidate its support ahead of the 2027 poll.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, recorded a strong performance in the South-East, winning all five states in the region.
His performance in the 2023 election has made the South-East a major focus of political calculations ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Umahi’s comments come amid intensifying political realignments and growing speculation over the strength of the major presidential contenders as parties position themselves for the 2027 election.
