Southeast APC Crisis Deepens: Minister Umahi Accused of Derailing Key Projects | READ FULL

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing mounting political tensions in the Southeast, as key party figures sound alarms over what they describe as a looming crisis that could impact President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's political future. The Southeast APC Renewal Movement (SARM) has openly accused Minister of Works David Umahi of sabotaging critical infrastructure projects, particularly the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

Osita Okechukwu, National Coordinator of SARM, alleged that Umahi's recent stop-work order on the 110-kilometre expressway, funded through the MTN Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (RITCS), has led to serious setbacks. According to Okechukwu, the move has triggered massive traffic congestion, accidents, and loss of lives, including a tragic tanker explosion.

"This project was progressing smoothly until Umahi halted it for reasons that make no sense. The Southeast cannot afford to lose this crucial development,ÔÇØ Okechukwu stated. "People are suffering. This sabotage could have dire consequences for APC's future in the region.ÔÇØ

When confronted with the allegations, Umahi fired back, dismissing SARM's claims with a terse response: "Shame on them.ÔÇØ

SARM has urged President Tinubu to intervene, warning that Umahi's actions are being weaponized by political opponents to discredit APC in the region. Okechukwu insisted that Umahi was not acting under Tinubu's directives, but expressed fears that his decisions were harming voter confidence.

"Umahi is not only stopping the project but also modifying it in ways that defy logic. He removed crucial components like the 9th Mile Flyover and solar lighting for security. If the APC loses credibility here, we will have ourselves to blame,ÔÇØ he added.

Okechukwu questioned how Umahi, who allegedly failed to repair a collapsed bridge on the Enugu-Port Harcourt road for over a year, suddenly found funds to threaten the revocation of MTN's N202 billion goodwill contract on the expressway.

"This is an unholy assault on the Southeast,ÔÇØ he declared. "If APC wants to maintain its influence, Tinubu must take immediate action.ÔÇØ

Meanwhile, Umahi remains confident in Tinubu's political strength. During a stakeholders' meeting in Lagos, he predicted that Tinubu would secure re-election in 2027, calling his presidency a divine mission.

"A man with the courage to achieve what was dreamt of 45 years ago is the only man fit to lead us again. President Tinubu must be re-elected by the power of God,ÔÇØ Umahi stated.

He further claimed that the Southeast would overwhelmingly vote for Tinubu, citing federal projects such as the Enugu-Abakaliki Road and Afikpo-Abia-Okigwe Road as evidence of Tinubu's commitment to the region.

"Mark my words: Tinubu will get 99% of the votes from the Southeast. The Southwest will even leave their own votes to give us 99.99% support,ÔÇØ Umahi boldly claimed.

While APC grapples with internal disputes, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been making strategic moves ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of late Niger Delta elder statesman Edwin Clark, El-Rufai emphasized the need for cross-party alliances to "rescueÔÇØ Nigeria.

"In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the North and South-South were traditional allies. It's time we return to that. Nigeria needs a rescue operation,ÔÇØ he stated.

El-Rufai's recent engagements with opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have fueled speculation about his next political move. While Atiku's allies claim the meetings are strategic for 2027, El-Rufai's increasing friction with APC and the Tinubu-led administration has raised questions about his loyalty to the party.

Adding to the political drama, former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah has raised concerns over heightened political tensions ahead of 2027. Speaking at a road commissioning event in Kwara State, Attah warned that Nigeria must not proceed with elections under the current constitution.

"Nobody should attempt an election under this constitution in 2027. The tension is too high, and we need to resolve national issues first,ÔÇØ he said.

Attah, a strong advocate for constitutional reform, insisted that Nigeria lacks shared values, equity, and justice, arguing that without a new constitution, the country risks further division.

As APC navigates these political challenges, the party's National Working Committee (NWC) is set to hold crucial meetings this week to address the party's future. The agenda includes finalizing a date for its long-overdue elective convention, raising funds for daily operations, and strategizing for the Anambra governorship election.

President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje are expected to attend. However, a major omission from the agenda has sparked fresh controversy-the failure to constitute the APC Board of Trustees (now renamed the National Advisory Council), an issue unresolved since the party's formation in 2013.

Former APC National Vice Chairman Salihu Lukman criticized the NWC for sidelining critical party organs, accusing them of monopolizing decisions in violation of the party's constitution.

"As things stand, APC is regressing democratically. Decisions are being made without reference to party structures, leading to exclusive governance at all levels,ÔÇØ Lukman warned.