23rd April, 2026 – NDI-ABAT PRESS RELEASE

The Ndígbo for Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) stands resolute in defending the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project against the baseless criticisms and politically motivated assertions put forth by Senator Dino Melaye regarding its construction progress and the recent flooding issues he alluded to in a widely circulated video.

NDI-ABAT categorically dismisses Melaye’s video as nothing more than a deliberate political maneuver aimed at undermining the monumental strides made by the APC-led government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi. Melaye’s video, which depicts sections of the coastal road inundated by flooding, was calculated to mislead the Nigerian public into questioning the structural integrity of a project that is pivotal to the economic growth of the region and the nation at large.

It is important to note that flooding is an inherent natural occurrence, particularly in Lagos, an island city with large portions of land sitting at or below sea level. Senator Melaye, as a seasoned politician, is well aware of this undeniable reality. The recent flooding observed in certain sections of the road is not indicative of any flaw in the design or construction of the coastal highway, but rather a temporary and natural event. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which stretches across 700 kilometers of crucial infrastructure, is being built to the highest standards of flood resistance. The project’s resilience is reinforced by cutting-edge construction technologies, including the innovative use of concrete cement technology, ensuring its durability for more than 60 years.

NDI-ABAT praises President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Senator Dave Umahi for their unwavering commitment to this transformative infrastructure project, which is not only a testament to the vision of the APC but also a beacon of progress for regional trade, tourism, and connectivity. This coastal highway is not just a road—it is the backbone of an integrated Nigeria that will facilitate trade, foster economic development, and enhance inter-regional cooperation for generations to come.

In light of the above, NDI-ABAT expresses full confidence in the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi, whose diligent oversight ensures that the integrity of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains uncompromised. It is under his watch that this project, critical to the nation’s future, is being executed to the highest standards, with a sharp focus on long-term sustainability.

We further recognize that the criticisms being leveled by opposition leaders, particularly Senator Dino Melaye, are nothing more than politically motivated rhetoric aimed at swaying public opinion ahead of the 2027 elections. These detractors seek to sow discord and distract the Nigerian people from the monumental achievements unfolding under the Tinubu administration. NDI-ABAT calls on all Nigerians to remain discerning, recognizing these political games for what they are and not allowing them to cloud the undeniable progress being made by the government.

NDI-ABAT remains steadfast in its support for the vision of a unified and prosperous Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Dave Umahi. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will stand as a testament to this vision—a legacy of enduring infrastructure that will benefit generations to come.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
National Coordinator
NDI-ABAT

Dr. Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr.
Secretary General
NDI-ABAT