By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The political landscape of Nigeria’s South-East has started to change under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as infrastructure projects, strategic appointments, and economic reforms reshape public perception ahead of the 2027 elections. Three years after the 2023 presidential election, in which the region overwhelmingly backed Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, the Tinubu administration has expanded federal projects across the zone, increased South-East representation in government, and strengthened political engagement to boost development and national inclusion.
2023 Election Exposed APC’s Weak Position
The 2023 presidential election revealed the APC’s limited support in the South-East. Peter Obi secured more than 1.8 million votes across the region.
By comparison, President Bola Tinubu received about 127,000 votes in the five South-East states.
Many political observers described the voting pattern as largely ethnic. Consequently, the APC faced the challenge of rebuilding trust in the region.
Federal Infrastructure Projects Change the Narrative
However, the Tinubu administration has focused on visible infrastructure rather than political rhetoric.
Several major road projects are either ongoing or completed across the South-East. They include:
- Enugu-Onitsha Expressway
- Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue Trans-Saharan Superhighway
- Enugu-Port Harcourt Road
- Second Niger Bridge access roads
These projects improve transportation for commercial centres such as Onitsha, Aba, and Nnewi.
During a recent National Media inspection tour organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the Presidential Media Team, journalists inspected many of these projects and observed significant construction progress.
Eastern Rail Corridor Revives Regional Connectivity
The administration has also prioritised the Eastern Rail Corridor linking Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
According to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, some of these projects originated during the colonial era but remained abandoned for decades.
Their revival represents one of the administration’s largest infrastructure investments in the region.
Gas Infrastructure Supports Industrial Growth
Beyond transportation, the Federal Government has increased investments in energy infrastructure.
South-East states now participate in the Siemens Power Project and expanded gas infrastructure programmes.
One major project is the ANOH Gas Project, also known as the Assa North-Ohaji South Gas Project.
President Tinubu inaugurated the processing plant on May 15, 2024.
The facility, operated through a joint venture involving Seplat Energy Plc and the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company, already supplies processed gas to industrial users, including Indorama Petrochemical Company.
These investments aim to provide reliable energy for manufacturers in Aba and Nnewi.
Political Inclusion Through Strategic Appointments
The administration has also increased South-East representation in key government positions.
Several prominent individuals from the region now occupy strategic offices in foreign affairs, defence, works, science and technology, and security agencies.
Among them is Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, one of the highest-ranking female members of the Federal Executive Council.
Supporters argue that these appointments demonstrate the administration’s commitment to greater inclusion.
Economic Reforms Present New Opportunities
President Tinubu’s economic reforms include exchange rate unification, fuel subsidy removal, and tax adjustments.
Although many Nigerians initially experienced economic hardship, supporters believe the South-East can benefit from policies that encourage production and exports.
Manufacturing centres in Aba, trading networks in Onitsha, and industries in Nnewi now enjoy improved access to federal grants, CBN intervention programmes, and export support initiatives.
In addition, the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu is expected to strengthen logistics and regional commerce.
Political Realignment Ahead of 2027
Supporters of the President believe the political equation in the South-East continues to evolve.
The APC won no South-East state in 2019 but secured two states in 2023. The party now controls three states in the region.
Meanwhile, supporters point to cooperative relationships between the Presidency and governors in Anambra and Abia despite their different political parties.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who also serves as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, remains one of President Tinubu’s strongest political allies.
Speaking during a state dinner for journalists and members of the Presidential Communications Team in Owerri, Uzodimma compared President Tinubu to Singapore’s founding leader, Lee Kuan Yew.
He praised the President’s economic reforms and expressed confidence that they would strengthen support ahead of the 2027 election.
Growing Engagement Across the Region
Federal and state governments now collaborate more frequently on infrastructure projects across the South-East.
Business organisations, youth groups, and other stakeholders have also increased engagement with federal programmes.
Supporters argue that greater federal presence could influence future political alignment as more projects reach completion.
Conclusion
The Tinubu administration believes infrastructure development, economic reforms, and political inclusion will reshape the South-East’s political landscape before the 2027 elections.
Rather than relying solely on campaign messaging, the government argues that completed roads, improved energy infrastructure, strategic appointments, and expanded economic opportunities will strengthen its appeal across the region.
