Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has called for unity and strategic political engagement from the Southeast, saying the region must be patient and wise in its approach to national leadership.

“Let’s not be deceived. For a stronger relationship with this administration, the Southeast must give Mr. President up to 90% support,” he said.

Umahi stressed that the dream of an Igbo presidency is very much alive, but cautioned that 2027 is not the time. He called on Southeast leaders and citizens to reject divisive politics and misinformation.

“We can’t be playing the politics of hate and expect other regions to trust us with power. Let’s support the President to complete his 8 years — every region is benefitting.”

He reaffirmed his belief that with unity, God’s help, and strategic alliances, the Southeast will eventually lead the nation.

“One day, we’ll get there. But not now. And I won’t stop speaking against any attempt to mislead our people.”

Umahi also praised the South East Governors for their efforts and urged the people to rally behind them and the President as they serve their second terms.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday held a strategic meeting with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as part of renewed efforts to tackle the nation’s long-standing electricity issues.

The high-level session was chaired by the President, with his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in attendance.

Also present were some of the industry’s most prominent figures, including Heirs Holdings Chairman, Tony Elumelu; Chairman of the Association of Power Generation Companies, retired Colonel Sani Bello; Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina; and Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Musiliu Oseni.

The meeting focused on exploring sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, regulatory reform, and long-term investment.

In a significant development within Nigeria’s ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has been officially elected as the new National Chairman. His election was ratified at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The decision comes following weeks of internal consultations, with Yilwatda emerging as the consensus candidate after the resignation of former Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Party insiders say the move is part of broader efforts to reposition the APC ahead of upcoming state and national elections, as well as to stabilize internal party structures.

Prof. Yilwatda, a former university lecturer and current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, is well-regarded in both academic and political circles. He previously served as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 elections and is known for his technocratic approach to leadership. His emergence as chairman is seen by some analysts as a strategic attempt by the APC to blend intellectual credibility with grassroots political experience.

Addressing the NEC and other stakeholders shortly after his election, Prof. Yilwatda expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to promote unity, discipline, and inclusivity within the party, stating that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” He also emphasized the importance of returning the party to its founding ideals and promised to foster open dialogue and reconciliation among aggrieved party members.

The NEC meeting, which brought together top-ranking members including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC governors, national assembly members, and other party leaders, also featured deliberations on policy direction, party reforms, and electoral strategies.

President Tinubu, in his remarks, congratulated the new chairman and called for loyalty to the party’s mission of delivering good governance to Nigerians. He stressed the need for organizational discipline, urging members to support the new leadership in building a stronger and more cohesive APC.

As Prof. Yilwatda assumes leadership, expectations are high that he will help steer the APC through the evolving political landscape, mend internal rifts, and strengthen the party’s hold ahead of future elections.