By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, is leading the push for peace and unity among members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State.
In a statement issued late Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Francis Nwaze, the former Ebonyi State Governor said his concern stems from the need to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru.
Umahi said that with increasing political activities within and outside the state ahead of 2027, APC stalwarts must speak with one voice.
He said he had consulted with the President, Bola Tinubu and the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, explaining that there was no directive from the President stopping any aspirant from purchasing nomination forms.
The statement reads, “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,” it. stated.
He acknowledged the democratic right of aspirants but revealed that the stance within the state, throwing his weight behind the president and 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, however, stressed the importance of internal democracy and peaceful engagement among party members, encouraging the governor to lead a process that prioritizes consensus where possible.
“Dialogue and negotiation should be adopted by the governor as 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 political loyalty remains firmly with both the President and the Governor and not on any individual.
“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.
Emphasizing the need for unity, the Minister noted that the strength of the APC lies in its collective effort and shared sacrifices over the years.
“This position is to keep the party we have suffered to build together and ensure that we are united to make big votes for all our candidates, especially the President and Governor. No one person can do this alone. We need one another,” Umahi concluded.
