Tinubu Deserves Full Eight Years — Umahi Speaks on Southern Governors’ Presidency Agreement

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Nigeria’s political landscape is already witnessing early conversations about 2027, as David Umahi, Minister of Works, openly declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete a full two-term tenure.

Speaking during a media interaction in Abuja, Umahi stressed that fairness and political stability demand that the current president be allowed to serve eight uninterrupted years, as provided by the constitution.

Southern Governors’ Pre-2023 Consensus

Reflecting on events leading up to the last general elections, Umahi disclosed that leaders from the southern region had reached a unified position regarding power rotation. According to him, all seventeen governors from the South collectively agreed that the presidency should return to their region, setting aside party differences.

Gossip News Now recalls that this agreement was reached in Asaba, forming a key political foundation that eventually paved the way for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence.

He explained that the decision was driven by the need to maintain balance in Nigeria’s power-sharing arrangement, ensuring that no region feels sidelined.

Why Tinubu Should Complete Two Terms

Umahi made it clear that the presidency, once zoned to the South, should not be interrupted midway. In his view, allowing Tinubu to complete eight years is not just about an individual but about honoring a collective understanding among southern leaders.

He suggested that the mandate currently held by Tinubu symbolically belongs to the entire southern region, reinforcing the argument that continuity is necessary.

At another point, he implied that the arrangement was designed to promote unity, noting in essence that the agreed tenure should run its full course before any new negotiations begin.

Position of the South-East Region

Addressing concerns about the South-East’s long-standing quest for the presidency, Umahi acknowledged that the agitation is legitimate but emphasized that timing is crucial.

He pointed out that the region’s opportunity would come after Tinubu’s tenure, adding that other zones, including the North-East, also have valid claims in the broader rotation framework.

Umahi expressed confidence in the leadership capacity within the South-East, stating that the region has competent individuals ready to take on national leadership when the political window opens.

Assessment of Tinubu’s Leadership

The minister also used the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s governance style, particularly highlighting what he described as inclusive leadership.

He addressed concerns about marginalization by suggesting that strategic appointments and developmental projects should be considered beyond mere numbers. Using his role as an example, Umahi indicated that certain positions carry significant national impact.

He further pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects across the South-East, presenting them as evidence of the administration’s commitment to equitable development.

Commentary and Political Implications

Umahi’s remarks signal an early alignment within parts of the political class ahead of the 2027 elections. His position reinforces the long-standing debate around zoning, equity, and national cohesion.

While supporters see his stance as a call for stability and adherence to political agreements, critics may interpret it as premature campaigning or an attempt to shape the electoral narrative early.

Ultimately, the conversation highlights a recurring theme in Nigerian politics—balancing regional expectations with national unity. As discussions intensify, the question remains whether political actors across all regions will uphold existing agreements or push for new dynamics.