David Umahi, minister of works, says the south-east must wait in its quest for the presidency.

In an interview with NAN in Abuja on Sunday, Umahi said President Bola Tinubu must be allowed to complete his two-term tenure in the interest of equity and political stability.

The former Ebonyi governor added that Tinubu had done so much for the zone in less than two years.

“It is not yet the time of the south-east,” Umahi said.

“We, the 17 southern governors, met in Asaba before the 2023 elections and agreed that power should move to the south, regardless of party.

“The crown eventually came upon President Bola Tinubu, and he must be allowed to complete his eight years.”

According to the minister, Tinubu’s tenure represents the collective mandate of the southern region, and it would be “wrong” for anyone to demand a power shift before 2031.

“The eight years he took are for all of us, both the south and the north,” he said.

“When he finishes, the south-east can contest, having never held the position before. The north-east too can vie when the time comes.”

Umahi said fairness and equity would only be meaningful if every region takes its turn at the presidency.

“For me, it is not yet the time of the south-east,” he said.