How Tinubu’s Road Projects Could Change South-East, South-South Politics Ahead of 2027
How Tinubu’s Road Projects Could Change South-East, South-South Politics Ahead of 2027
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure drive across Nigeria’s South-East and South-South geopolitical zones is emerging as an important factor in the debate over his administration’s performance, as road rehabilitation and reconstruction projects offer communities fresh hope for improved transportation, economic growth and security.
Before the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu faced considerable political resistance in parts of the South-East and South-South, where many voters expressed reservations about his leadership and ability to address longstanding developmental challenges. However, the administration’s investment in federal highways is providing supporters with tangible projects to highlight as they seek to change public perceptions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For decades, several major highways connecting communities in the two regions suffered severe deterioration, exposing motorists, commercial transporters and traders to prolonged journeys, vehicle damage and security risks. Some notorious stretches became associated with armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activities, particularly where damaged roads forced vehicles to slow down or remain stranded for extended periods.
The Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu–Abakaliki Road, Afikpo–Abia–Okigwe corridor, Aba–Port Harcourt Road and access roads linking the Second Niger Bridge represent important components of the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure programme. These projects are expected to strengthen commercial activities, improve interstate connectivity and reduce transportation difficulties when fully completed.
Particularly significant is the reconstruction of the approximately 107-kilometre Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, a major economic artery connecting commercial centres in Anambra and Enugu states. The adoption of reinforced concrete pavement on sections of the highway reflects efforts to provide more durable road infrastructure capable of accommodating heavy commercial traffic.
Similarly, rehabilitation works along the Enugu–Port Harcourt corridor, including sections connecting Umuahia and Aba, hold considerable economic importance for traders, manufacturers and transport operators. Improved connectivity between Aba, one of Nigeria’s major manufacturing and commercial centres, and Port Harcourt could help businesses reduce logistics costs and strengthen commercial relationships across the two geopolitical zones.
Beyond economic considerations, improved road infrastructure could also contribute to public safety by reducing traffic bottlenecks and the vulnerability of motorists on isolated stretches. Nevertheless, tackling kidnapping, armed robbery and other security threats will require sustained policing, intelligence gathering and effective law enforcement alongside road reconstruction.
The political significance of these projects lies in their visibility. While campaign promises and policy pronouncements may not immediately influence public opinion, completed and accessible highways provide measurable evidence against which citizens can assess government performance. For the Tinubu administration, the challenge is to translate ongoing construction into completed projects that ordinary Nigerians can experience firsthand.
The Federal Government has reported completing 40 road projects nationwide, with approximately 5,400 kilometres of roads under construction. Although the broader figures demonstrate the scale of federal road activity, the political impact in the South-East and South-South will ultimately depend on the pace, quality and durability of individual projects.
As political activities gradually build towards 2027, Tinubu’s supporters are increasingly positioning infrastructure development as evidence of his commitment to regions where he faced significant electoral opposition in 2023. Whether these investments will translate into greater electoral support remains uncertain, but the administration’s road programme has introduced a practical dimension to discussions about governance, regional inclusion and presidential performance.
For residents, traders and commuters across the South-East and South-South, the most important measure of success will not necessarily be political popularity but safer highways, shorter journeys, reduced transportation costs and improved economic opportunities. If these expectations are fulfilled, the administration’s infrastructure legacy could become a significant part of how its performance is judged in the years ahead.
