The South-East Factor: Why Tinubu May Be Harder to Defeat Than His Opponents Imagine, By Steve Otaloro

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next presidential election, opposition politicians are working tirelessly to convince Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed and therefore deserves to be replaced.

That argument, however, faces one major challenge: the growing body of tangible infrastructure projects currently underway across the country.

In politics, perception matters. But performance matters even more. Ultimately, elections are not won merely on criticism; they are won by presenting evidence that one can do better than the incumbent. That is why anyone seeking to challenge President Tinubu in the next election must first explain away the extensive infrastructure renewal taking place under his administration.

Take the South-East for example.

For decades, successive governments acknowledged the deplorable condition of major federal roads across the region. Yet many of those strategic corridors remained neglected despite their importance to commerce, mobility, and national integration.

Today, that narrative is gradually changing.

Across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, multiple road projects are either under construction, rehabilitation, or nearing completion. The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, one of the most critical transportation corridors in Southern Nigeria, is receiving attention across its various sections, including Enugu-Lokpanta, Umuahia-Aba, and other connecting routes linking the South-East to the South-South.

The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, a vital economic artery connecting major commercial hubs, is undergoing extensive reconstruction under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

Similarly, the Second Niger Bridge access roads, essential for maximizing the economic benefits of the bridge project, are receiving the necessary attention required to fully integrate the structure into Nigeria’s transportation network.

The administration is also pursuing work on strategic projects such as the 9th Mile-Oturkpo-Makurdi corridor, the Enugu-Lokpanta Expressway, the Artisan Market Bridge in Enugu, the New Akpoha Bridge in Ebonyi State, the Enugu-Ebonyi Road, and the ambitious highway corridor linking Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja.

The Onitsha-Owerri Expressway and the Abia-Enugu Road further demonstrate a commitment to improving regional connectivity and economic activity.

Collectively, these projects including many others which I did not mention represent one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the South-East in recent years.

This raises an important political question.

If previous administrations had pursued infrastructure renewal, economic reforms, and strategic investments with similar urgency and consistency, would Nigeria still be facing many of the challenges confronting it today?

This is the question many critics appear reluctant to answer.

No administration is perfect, and Nigerians are justified in demanding more from their leaders. The economic difficulties currently being experienced by many citizens are real and should never be dismissed. However, it is equally important to acknowledge progress where it exists.

The challenge before the opposition is therefore not simply to criticize the Tinubu administration. Criticism is easy. The more difficult task is convincing Nigerians that the ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects should be abandoned or reversed.

As the political contest ahead approaches, one reality is becoming increasingly clear: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not merely running on promises. He is building a record.

And in politics, incumbents with visible projects on the ground are often the most difficult opponents to defeat.

For now, that is why Bola Tinubu remains the man to beat.

History has often shown that transformative leaders are rarely judged fairly in the moment. The burden of difficult reforms, structural adjustments, and long-term investments is usually felt in the present, while their benefits are enjoyed in the future.

It is therefore possible that President Tinubu’s most enduring legacy may not be fully appreciated during his time in office, but years after he has left the stage. His groundbreaking efforts to reposition Nigeria’s economy and address decades of infrastructure deficits may ultimately be valued by future generations more than by contemporaries. Time, as always, remains the final judge of leadership.

Steve Otaloro ✍️

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