By David Lawani, Abuja
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has challenged the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent criticism of the Federal Government’s road infrastructure policy, asking whether the visible performance of Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, had become a threat to his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation argued that while Obi was entitled to express his views on government policies, national discourse on infrastructure should be guided by facts, technical realities and measurable outcomes rather than partisan considerations.
In a statement signed by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Ohanaeze commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for approving major road projects in the South-East, describing the interventions as a significant step towards correcting decades of infrastructural neglect in the region.
The group specifically applauded the approval of the ₦116 billion Abakaliki–Afikpo Road and the ₦86 billion Enugu–Abakaliki Road with a flyover interchange, saying the projects reflected renewed federal commitment to improving economic connectivity across the South-East.
According to the organisation, the region has continued to grapple with poor federal infrastructure since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, making ongoing road reconstruction projects a matter of historical justice rather than routine government spending.
“The truth of infrastructural progress must be acknowledged without distortion, and developmental gains must not be subordinated to electoral ambition or political rivalry,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze maintained that the current wave of federal road construction should be viewed within the context of post-war reconstruction, noting that the adoption of cement-stabilised road technology marked a departure from previous infrastructure delivery models.
The organisation said the collective interest of the Igbo people remains anchored on improved infrastructure, economic integration and equitable federal presence across the South-East.
It stressed that development should be assessed based on visible impact and long-term value rather than partisan narratives.
Reacting to recent comments credited to Obi on the Federal Government’s road development strategy, Ohanaeze said personal political opinions should not be presented as representing the position or aspirations of Ndigbo.
“National infrastructure discourse must be anchored on technical assessment, historical context and verifiable developmental outcomes,” it stated.
The organisation also praised the performance of Works Minister Dave Umahi, saying his leadership had accelerated the execution of federal highway projects and restored confidence in the delivery of road infrastructure nationwide.
“His stewardship has contributed to accelerated road project execution, improved coordination and renewed national confidence in federal infrastructure delivery systems,” the group said.
Ohanaeze recalled that Nigeria faced prolonged challenges in the construction and maintenance of federal roads between 1999 and 2023, resulting in widespread infrastructure decay and economic constraints across several regions.
It argued that the Tinubu administration should therefore be assessed within what it described as a corrective phase to address inherited infrastructure deficits.
The organisation urged political leaders and other stakeholders not to undermine ongoing infrastructure projects with divisive political narratives, but to support initiatives that promote national integration and sustainable development.
Reaffirming its position, Ohanaeze insisted that the Igbo nation’s priority remains the delivery of durable infrastructure capable of stimulating economic growth, improving regional connectivity and addressing longstanding developmental imbalances.
“The Igbo nation stands firmly in support of visible infrastructural transformation under the current federal administration,” the statement added.
