President Bola Tinubu has earmarked more than ₦1.3 trillion for the rehabilitation and construction of road and bridge projects in the South-East, according to Minister of Works, David Umahi.

The minister stated this in a press release on Monday, titled “President Tinubu Treating the South-East Region with Fairness and Equity in Road and Bridge Infrastructure Development.”

Umahi’s clarification followed the circulation of an article titled “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South-East Missing from the Map?” which he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and distort facts.

“My attention as the Minister of Works has been drawn to a wrong and misleading statement in social media published by one Mr Linus Anagboso (D-Big Pen) captioned: ‘The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South East missing from the map?’”

He accused the author of exploiting political sentiments to paint a false picture of marginalisation in the region.

“I understand that politics is now in the air, and the chosen path by some persons is to deceive unsuspecting members of the public, look good before the people as one fighting for them, and close both eyes pretentiously over the great and selfless infrastructure development which Mr President is doing all over the nation.”

To counter these claims, Umahi said he had directed regional directors of the Federal Ministry of Works to return to project sites nationwide and compile reports on both ongoing and inherited projects.

This, he said, would provide transparency and allow Nigerians to appreciate the scale of federal investment in infrastructure.

“I have directed all the regional directors of the Federal Ministry of Works back to sites in all the regions across the country to compile all inherited but ongoing projects and all new projects in all the regions so that Nigerians will appreciate the huge works that Mr President is doing in all the regions irrespective of those who voted for him and those who did not.”

He reiterated that President Tinubu is promoting national unity through balanced infrastructure development.

“Mr President is using the fair distribution of infrastructure to reunite Nigerians and renew their hope.”

Umahi cited several key federal projects in the South-East, particularly within the President’s third legacy project, which cuts across six states, including three in the South-East.

“In addressing specifically this misleading information and for the records, Mr President has four legacy projects, and they cover the six geo-political zones with the South-East region well captured within the third legacy project of Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja, totaling 465km x 2 with South-East covering 231.64km x 2 and 231.64km x 1 for N445.8bn already awarded and work is going on. Mr President has already paid N108bn.”

He explained that the Federal Executive Council’s July 31 meeting was focused on reviewing this corridor.

“What happened in the Federal Executive Council on July 31, 2025, was a review of that corridor from 118km x 1 to 231.64km x 1 for N445.8bn. This misleading writer chose to change the narrative of my press briefing after the Federal Executive Council of Tran Sahara Section 1 (Ebonyi State to Benue border – 123.64km at N445.8 billion but deliberately chose to call it Oyo-Benue border road to deceive and incite unsuspecting members of the public.”

He demanded a correction of the misinformation, though he did not insist on an apology.

“Under his (Tinubu’s) administration, 90 per cent of abandoned projects, some awarded as far back as 2013, were all revived, and all are now ongoing. It is noteworthy to mention that there is huge ongoing work on the 2nd Niger Bridge access road 2A in Delta State which is valued at N146bn and 2B in Anambra State which is valued at N176bn, the Enugu-Onitsha road – 208km (MTN Tax Credit which is valued at N202bn and CBC completing the remaining section at N150bn of which N45bn was released last week), the Enugu–Port Harcourt road in four sections, the Enugu-Abakaliki, the Afikpo (Ebonyi)–Abia–Imo road, the Onitsha–Owerri–Aba road, the Aba–Ikot Ekpene road, the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene road etc.”

Umahi closed by urging South-East citizens to stand with the President, citing his equitable treatment of the region as evidence of goodwill.

“I request the South-East people to rise in support of President Bola Tinubu because he has demonstrated unwavering love and fairness to the people of the South-East. We must not be deceived again. Mr President must have the votes of the South-East up to 90 per cent to cement this relationship.”

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has called on former lawmakers from Nigeria’s northern region to throw their weight behind Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027.

His appeal was made during the 2025 Dialogue Session of the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators, held in Abuja.

Gbajabiamila emphasized the importance of political continuity and national unity, arguing that the president has governed with fairness and inclusion.

“President Tinubu is not just a Southern leader; he is a national leader who has carried every region along,” Gbajabiamila said.

“From critical infrastructure to policy reforms, the North is benefiting from a government that believes in equity and shared prosperity.”

He pointed to various development initiatives in northern Nigeria especially in infrastructure and agriculture as proof that Tinubu’s administration is committed to nationwide progress.

Following the session, the Northern Caucus issued a communiqué co-signed by Coordinator Rufai Chanchangi and Secretary Atiwurcha, formally endorsing Tinubu’s re-election.

The group said backing a Southern presidency in 2027 aligns with the North’s long-term political interest and supports the principle of rotational leadership.

Nnanna Igbokwe, National Chairman of the forum, praised the endorsement as a significant gesture of unity.

“This resolution by the Northern Caucus is a significant statement of statesmanship. It shows leadership that transcends personal or regional interest,” he remarked.

“I am confident that more zones will follow this example in the spirit of unity and continuity.”

The forum also called on the federal government to strengthen efforts to tackle security challenges across key northern states including Zamfara, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, and Niger.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai pose a threat to the peace, unity, and progress of Nigeria.

This accusation comes amid growing political tension, with the APC claiming that both men are conspiring to hijack the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a bid to undermine the country’s established power rotation principle.

In a statement issued on Monday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said their alleged actions are part of a broader plan to install Atiku as the next presidential candidate despite it being the South’s turn to lead.

“It is now clear to all Nigerians that el-Rufai and his cohorts in ADC are on a mission to upend the presidential rotational principle designed to promote national unity and cohesion in the country through the imposition of Atiku as presidential candidate of ADC in the middle of a southern presidency turn,” Morka stated.

He blamed Atiku’s actions during the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the party’s collapse in that election cycle.

“It was Atiku’s selfish and obdurate refusal to respect the rotation principle during the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary election that directly resulted in PDP’s ‘virtual cremation’,” Morka said.

The statement was in response to el-Rufai’s recent remarks at a meeting in Sokoto, where he criticized the Tinubu administration as being “incompetent, clannish, and undeserving of a second term.” APC dismissed el-Rufai’s comments, describing him as a disgruntled figure lashing out.

The ruling party defended Tinubu’s government as visionary and committed to national transformation.

It emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda had begun repositioning the country for long-term growth and development and expressed confidence that Nigerians would renew their support for Tinubu in 2027.

Meanwhile, the Presidency also took issue with Peter Obi’s recent one-term pledge.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, criticised the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate for what he called historical inaccuracies in justifying his vow.

“Peter Obi, the aspiring presidential candidate of the fledgling opposition party, must have flunked history in school,” Onanuga said in a statement titled ‘Peter Obi and His Wrong Examples’.

Obi had earlier promised to serve only four years if elected, referencing the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela to support his claim.

But Onanuga pushed back “In justifying his so-called ‘sacrosanct’ pledge to serve only one term of four years, he cited Abraham Lincoln, JFK and Nelson Mandela as leaders he wanted to emulate.

A simple fact-check by a politician, who always challenges his gullible and unthinking mob to verify his statements, would have revealed that he quoted the wrong examples.”

Onanuga elaborated further “Lincoln had already won re-election and was in his second term when he was assassinated in 1865, while JFK was killed before completing his first term.”

As for Mandela: “Mandela served as the first President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He declined a run for a second term on account of his age… Mandela’s example might be more appropriately recommended to Obi’s rival for the opposition ticket, who will turn 81 by 2027.”

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has stated that while the South-East region of Nigeria will eventually produce the country’s president, it will not happen in the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Umahi emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has treated all regions, including the South-East, fairly.

He pointed to the revival of 90% of previously abandoned road projects, some of which date back to 2013, as proof of inclusive governance.

Among the major infrastructure developments highlighted by the minister is a multi-state highway project stretching from Cross River through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa to Abuja.

This route includes a 231.64km stretch within the South-East, awarded at a cost of ₦445.8 billion.

Umahi noted that despite a recent review of the corridor length to 231.64km, the contract cost remains unchanged.

Other significant federal road projects underway in the South-East include:

Second Niger Bridge Access Roads:

Section 2A in Delta (₦146 billion)

Section 2B in Anambra (₦176 billion)

Enugu-Onitsha Road (208km):

Funded by MTN Tax Credit (₦202 billion)

Remaining work awarded to CBC (₦150 billion)

Enugu–Port Harcourt Road, divided into sections covering:

Enugu-Abakaliki

Afikpo-Abia-Imo

Onitsha-Owerri-Aba

Aba-Ikot Ekpene

Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene

Mr Umahi praised South-East governors for backing federal initiatives and encouraged the region’s citizens to continue supporting the Tinubu-led government.

He reassured them that the current administration’s policies reflect equity and national unity.

While acknowledging the region’s aspirations, Umahi made it clear:

“One day, the South-East will produce the president of Nigeria, but not in 2027.”

He reaffirmed his dedication to countering misinformation and ensuring the South-East population is well-informed about federal efforts.

Senator Uche Ekwunife

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has raised strong objections over the eligibility of Senator Uche Ekwunife, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, calling for her disqualification over an allegedly unrecognized academic qualification.

APGA claims that Ekwunife submitted a PhD certificate from Atlantic International University (AIU), located in the State of Hawaii, USA, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the party argues that the institution is not accredited and should be considered a “degree mill” that awards certificates without academic merit.

In a statement shared by APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, the party said that Ekwunife’s submission of the PhD raises broader concerns about the authenticity of her other academic qualifications.

“Some of us believe, and wrongly so, that once a university is ‘abroad’ then it is legal and accredited. This erroneous thinking can be permissible amongst certain class of persons in society, not a person in the mould of Uche Ekwunife,” Opara stated.

He further accused the APC candidate of attempting to fraudulently bolster her credentials without undergoing the academic rigour typically required for a doctoral degree.

“Hers is willful and deliberate. She wants a PhD but is incapable of the intellectual rigour to earn it.”

APGA has now called on INEC to take a clear position on whether certificates from institutions that are not officially recognized should be accepted in Nigeria’s electoral process.

“Now, the question before INEC Nigeria as a body set up by law is – should certificates from unapproved and unaccredited schools be accepted for official purposes?” Opara asked.

The party also raised the issue of whether Ekwunife met the minimum qualifications required to run for office, and why she failed to submit more basic credentials such as a first degree.

“If Uche Ekwunife has the minimum qualification for the office she seeks, why submit, under oath, a certificate from a fake university? Does Uche Ekwunife actually possess an authentic first degree? If yes, where is it? Not submitting it raises lots of doubts, knowing it may be fake too.”

Calling for strict action, APGA emphasized the need for INEC to set an example to deter future candidates from presenting questionable credentials.

“It is important that Uche Ekwunife be used as an example to others brandishing fake higher certificates, as this trend, if unchecked, would make a mess of an already ailing system,” the statement concluded.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has officially announced his intention to seek a second term in office, citing widespread support from stakeholders across the state.

He made the declaration on Monday during a meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Central Working Committee at the party’s secretariat in Ado-Ekiti.

According to the governor, his decision was driven by what he described as “overwhelming endorsement” from traditional rulers, civil servants, professional bodies, youth groups, market associations, transport unions and political leaders even across party lines.

Oyebanji said he was motivated to consolidate on the achievements of his first term and deliver more impactful governance.

“Let me start by appreciating you, thank you for your support, endurance and for holding the party, on behalf of myself, the Deputy Governor and other political office holders,” he said.

“We are extremely grateful for your prayers and understanding and I also thank you on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the endorsement.”

He emphasized the unity within the APC in Ekiti, dismissing reports of internal rifts. “Let me also assure you that there is no crisis in the leadership of APC,” he said.

“Our topmost leader is former Governor Niyi Adebayo, followed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi. There is no crisis in the leadership.”

Formally notifying the party of his re-election bid, the governor said:

“I have listened to you, and I am formally informing the party that I will run for second term. So, I plead for your support and prayers, and by His grace, I will continue to respect you.”

Oyebanji pledged continued respect and loyalty to his predecessors in office, acknowledging them as pillars of the APC in Ekiti.

He also urged citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the June 2026 governorship election.

He commended President Tinubu for policies that, he said, had aided Ekiti’s development.

He also affirmed his commitment to internal democracy, stating that other interested aspirants were free to contest the APC ticket.

The governor’s announcement was met with applause from party leaders present.

APC State Chairman, Sola Elesin, praised Oyebanji for his leadership and performance, describing him as a unifier whose humility and accessibility had won him admiration within the party and beyond.

Other top officials in attendance included Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, says Labour Party’s Peter Obi lacks the political reach in northern Nigeria to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Keyamo argued that Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) already have strong political structures firmly in place across the region.

Keyamo also dismissed the viability of the emerging opposition coalition using the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform, describing their chances as slim.

“They are going nowhere in terms of demography,” Keyamo said. “Yes, they’re putting us on our toes, but the numbers don’t favor them.”

The coalition, reportedly led by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other political heavyweights, aims to unify their support bases ahead of 2027 in a bid to unseat Tinubu.

However, Keyamo believes that combining forces won’t be enough to overturn APC’s grip on the presidency.

He argued that Obi’s 2023 performance was largely driven by three unique factors, which, according to him, are unlikely to repeat in 2027:

1. Religious Sentiment: Obi was the only major Christian candidate, attracting widespread support from Christian voters.

2. Regional Loyalty: The South-East felt politically marginalized and rallied behind him as an Igbo candidate.

3. Youth Movement: Many young Nigerians, disillusioned with older politicians, viewed Obi as a refreshing alternative.

“Those three demographics gave him a boost in 2023. But if Obi is made Atiku’s deputy in 2027, those same factors won’t apply and they’ll collapse,” Keyamo asserted.

He added that the APC’s entrenched presence in the North, with sitting governors and party machinery in place, gives Tinubu a distinct advantage.

The ADC coalition includes influential figures like Atiku Abubakar, Obi, former Senate President David Mark, ex-ministers Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The coalition hopes to capitalize on the over 12 million combined votes Atiku and Obi earned in 2023, a figure that surpasses the 8 million officially recorded for Tinubu.

Tinubu, who succeeded Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, is seeking re-election to complete what many regard as an unwritten regional rotation of power between North and South.

Yet, his government continues to face mounting criticism over economic hardship, record-high inflation, and cost of living concerns.