The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on voters in the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, saying the region should recognise the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure projects with its votes.

Umahi made the appeal on Saturday while inspecting construction work on the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway at Nwedeoga-Ndidenyi-Ishieke, near the Ebonyi-Benue border.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, saying the completion of the major highway projects would significantly improve transportation, connectivity and economic activities across the affected states.

The inspection covered Sections One and Two of the superhighway in Ebonyi, which provides a major link between the state and Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory. The minister also inspected the Isieke-Onueke-Calabar Highway.

Umahi said the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said was already having a positive impact across the country.

He described the projects as part of the administration’s efforts to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, improve movement of goods and people, and create conditions for stronger economic growth.

The minister consequently appealed to residents of the South-East to reciprocate the administration’s efforts by voting for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

“Let us show our loyalty and love to Mr President through our votes in 2027. The Renewed Hope Agenda has touched lives positively across the six geopolitical zones.

“We must appreciate what the President is doing and ensure that the projects and programmes of his administration are sustained,” Umahi said.

Giving details of the road construction, he said Section One covered approximately 125.5 kilometres from the Ndibe Beach axis, passing through communities such as Akpoha, Abomege, Amudo and Onueke, as well as parts of Ezza North and Ebonyi Local Government Areas.

He said sections of the route were being dualised because of increasing commercial activity and urban expansion, pointing to an 8.9-kilometre stretch around Afikpo and a two-kilometre portion at Abomege as examples.

According to him, Section Two extends into Benue and other states and spans about 173.6 kilometres, with the contract valued at approximately ₦683 billion.

“The Federal government had already paid 30 per cent of the contract sum,” Umahi explained.

The minister said the inspection was also intended to monitor contractors, assess the quality and pace of construction, identify obstacles and ensure compliance with approved standards and completion schedules.

He maintained that the projects would have wider benefits beyond road transportation by opening up communities, supporting agriculture, facilitating trade and strengthening economic links between states.

Umahi also said the Tinubu administration was committed to addressing concerns about the South-East’s development.

“The President has the intention to end the marginalisation of the South-East. We must stop attacking the legacy projects of the present administration. Show Tinubu appreciation through your vote.

“I am happy with the progress of work. Section two of the Ebonyi section of the Superhighway is 40 per cent complete, while 30 per cent of the contract payment has been made by the government.

“I commend some state governors, who have supported the settlement and payment of compensation to affected property owners at all the project sites across the country,” the minister said.

Addressing concerns over the award of road contracts, Umahi said the projects currently being executed by the Federal Government had gone through the required procurement procedures.

He urged critics of the administration to base their objections on facts and offer constructive criticism.

“All the federal road projects currently ongoing went through due process for procurement. I want those criticising the government to do so properly,” he advised.