BY John Odhe
Nigerians are heavily criticizing Minister of Works, David Umahi following his recent declaration that he is the “Lion of the South East.”
Public backlash erupted across Facebook and other social media platforms as citizens mocked the title and questioned Umahi’s political relevance in the region.
The 2027 political battle has intensified after Umahi launched a stinging attack on Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (NDC), boasting that the former Anambra State governor would not win the south/east in the 2027 presidential election.
The controversy began during a press briefing in Ebonyi State, where Umahi maintained that the south east was not a stronghold of the NDC presidential flag bearer.
The minister of works dismissed the influence of the opposition candidate, Obi, in the south east come 2027.
Declaring himself as lion of the south-east during the interview, Umahi publicly challenged Obi to a debate.
He further claimed that the region would massively vote for president Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Reacting, citizens quickly took to online platforms to counter Umahi’s claims with many Nigerians criticizing the minister for making self-aggrandizing statements while large parts of the country continue to struggle with economic hardships.
On the facebook, those who made comments accused Umahi of being out of touch with the electorate, insisting that voters, not political elites, would decide who would lead the nation in the next election.
They wondered how a leader could claim a dominant, protective title when his geopolitical zone has faced persistent insecurity and regional unrest.
Commentators online argued that true leadership could only be measured by public approval and peace, rather than empty political boasting.
They dismissed the minister’s assertions as an attempt to distract the public, maintaining that it was the democratic right of the voters to determine their political future and not the decision of one government official.
