Ahead of the 2027 general election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is intensifying his lobbying of the south-east votes to secure a second term of office using the Onitsha-Aba and other road projects as barter.

The President has also told the region that the Owerri-Aba, Enugu-Abakaliki dualization, as well as the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja roads contracts embarked upon by his administration, are indicators that a second term of office would bring more dividends of democracy and such that should trigger massive support of the region for his second-term ambition.

The President, represented by Works Minister, Engr. Dave Umahi, reiterated this appeal at the golden jubilee celebration of the throne of the traditional ruler of Amaifeke Community, in Orlu Local Government Area, and Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Institutions, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, held in Owerri over the weekend.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media, Barr. Uchenna Orji, the President told the region to reciprocate the inclusivity and channels of economic prosperity of his administration by supporting his ambition.

The statement said: “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to inclusive economic prosperity for all sections of the nation.

“The President congratulated the celebrant on his long and eventful 25 years of royal reign and described him as a man of profound integrity and a leadership asset not only to Imo State but also to the entire South East and the nation.

“He stated that the people of South East have a pride of place in his Renewed Hope agenda of rebuilding Nigeria and making her the pride of the continent of Africa.

“Reference was made to the new trajectory of road infrastructure transformation being witnessed in all parts of South East, including the Onitsha-Enugu road, Owerri-Aba road, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu-Abakaliki dualization, Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Renewed Hope Legacy project, bridges, among others.

“The representative of Mr. President used the opportunity to solicit the unalloyed support and solidarity of the people of South East to the Renewed Hope administration of Mr. President.

“He asked for unanimous support for the re-election of President Tinubu come 2027, noting that South East has not had it this good in terms of inclusiveness in the economic and political landscape of the nation.”

According to the statement, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma, in his remarks, expressed pleasure with the esteemed presence of the dignitaries who graced the occasion, especially the representative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said, “He offered the congratulations of the Governors of South East to His Royal Majesty, who is also the Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers. He commended him for the leadership and capacity he has shown in coordinating and directing the affairs of the traditional institutions in South East, describing him as a royal father who embodies the finest traditional leadership and who serves his people with humility and integrity.” (The Guardian)