Minister of Works Dave Umahi has publicly reaffirmed his support for the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket that brought President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to power in the 2023 general elections.
Speaking at an event, Umahi declared that he has no regrets supporting the ticket and stated that his loyalty is solely to God and President Tinubu.
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, made the comments while addressing concerns and criticisms that have trailed the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decision to run a joint Muslim presidential ticket, a move that stirred significant debate in the lead-up to the election. Many political and religious stakeholders had raised concerns about religious inclusivity and national unity, urging a more balanced representation in the country’s highest offices.
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Despite the controversy, Umahi said he stood by his decision to support the Tinubu-Shettima ticket and has not wavered in his belief that it was the right choice. “I have no regret supporting the Muslim-Muslim ticket. I am loyal to only God and President Bola Tinubu,” Umahi stated. He emphasized that his political choices were rooted in his conviction and belief in Tinubu’s leadership capabilities rather than in religious sentiment.
The minister also used the opportunity to praise President Tinubu’s performance in office so far, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and economic reform. According to Umahi, the president has demonstrated a clear commitment to the nation’s development and continues to prove that the country’s leadership is in capable hands. He insisted that critics who doubted the administration’s potential were gradually being proven wrong.
Umahi’s declaration of loyalty comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with political polarization and religious sensitivities. His comments appear intended to reassure Tinubu’s supporters of his unwavering commitment to the current administration, as well as to present a unified front within the federal executive.
He further warned those who have continued to question the religious composition of the leadership to instead focus on performance and governance outcomes. According to Umahi, the time for political debate was over, and what mattered now was the delivery of promises made to Nigerians during the campaign.
The Muslim-Muslim ticket was among the most debated issues during the 2023 election season. Traditionally, major political parties in Nigeria have sought to balance religious representation at the presidential and vice-presidential levels. However, Tinubu and the APC broke from that convention, a move that some critics described as politically risky in a country with deep religious divides.
Despite the criticism, Tinubu won the presidency, defeating opponents such as Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. Since then, the administration has attempted to shift public attention toward policy implementation and national development.
Umahi, now a key cabinet member, has frequently expressed strong alignment with the president’s agenda. His ministry has been actively involved in major infrastructure projects across the country, and he has used several public platforms to showcase the government’s commitment to roads and transportation improvements.
His statement further cements his position as one of the staunchest allies of President Tinubu within the federal cabinet. By openly declaring that he owes loyalty only to God and the president, Umahi has positioned himself as a trusted insider in the Tinubu administration, likely aiming to dispel any lingering doubts about internal unity or loyalty within the president’s team.
The political landscape remains tense ahead of the 2027 elections, with both supporters and opponents of the current administration maneuvering for influence. Umahi’s comments underscore a strategy of consolidating support within the ruling party and presenting a unified front against a resurgent opposition.
