The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reaffirmed his involvement in political developments in Ebonyi state, urging members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace unity, dialogue, and internal democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a message to party faithful dated April 29, 2026, Umahi said he had consulted with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ebonyi state governor Francis Nwifuru, clarifying that there was no directive barring aspirants from purchasing nomination forms.
“I have spoken to Mr President and our governor and there was no instruction from Mr President that those who want to contest elections in Ebonyi State should be shut off from buying forms,” he stated.
In the statement signed by his senior special assistant on media, Francis Nwaze, Umahi affirmed the democratic rights of aspirants while reiterating his political alignment in the state, declaring support for both the president and the governor.
“However, in Ebonyi State, my support is to the governor as we have adopted him as sole candidate. This is the position of Mr President nationwide and our governor agrees with me,” Umahi said.
He stressed the importance of peaceful engagement among party stakeholders, urging the governor to lead efforts aimed at achieving consensus among aspirants where possible.
“Dialogue and negotiation should be adopted by the governor to possibly reach consensus among all aspirants, and where consensus is not reached, then direct primaries must take place,” he added.
Umahi made it clear that his loyalty remains with the leadership of the party rather than any individual aspirant.
“I have no interest in any aspirant other than my support for governor and president. Consensus is only among aspirants supervised by the leader of the party, the governor,” he said.
Emphasising party cohesion, the minister noted that the strength of the APC lies in collective effort and shared sacrifices.
“This position is to keep the party we have built together and ensure that we are united to deliver overwhelming votes for all our candidates, especially the President and Governor. No one person can do this alone. We need one another,” he concluded.
