Umahi Moves to Quell Ebonyi Rift, Pushes Unity Ahead of 2027 Polls
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stepped in to resolve a brewing political dispute in Ebonyi State, urging key stakeholders to close ranks and embrace unity as the state targets overwhelming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general elections.
Umahi’s intervention followed tensions between Ken Eze and National Assembly aspirant Christian Asaga Nwali, which surfaced publicly after a disagreement over succession plans in Ebonyi Central Senatorial District.
According to a statement issued from the Office of the Minister of Works and signed by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant (Media), Umahi convened a reconciliation meeting on April 26, where both leaders agreed to de-escalate tensions.
Addressing the matter, the minister described both parties as political protégés and called for calm.
“I have advised them first to maintain peace. It is the right of everyone to contest, but the decision is beyond them,” Umahi said.
He recalled an earlier zoning understanding that the senatorial seat would rotate to Ikwo, but noted that evolving political realities require collective decision-making.
“Politics is dynamic… decisions must be guided by present realities and collective leadership,” he added.
Umahi directed the aggrieved parties to engage the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, alongside selected leaders from affected areas to reach a lasting resolution.
“We have a governor… he must be accorded his respect. Let leaders from both sides meet him for a fair and lasting solution,” he stated.
Beyond the immediate dispute, the minister stressed the need for political cohesion to secure strong electoral backing for President Tinubu, citing ongoing federal projects in the state.
“Our political decisions must align with giving the President over 95 per cent of votes. What he is doing in Ebonyi, we have never seen such magnitude of federal projects,” Umahi said.
He also reaffirmed support for the state governor’s tenure, warning against internal divisions that could weaken the party’s position.
Responding, Senator Eze commended the minister’s intervention and appealed for unity among supporters.
“We are one people… please stop writing against any leader. If you do, you are not writing for me,” he urged.
Similarly, Nwali pledged loyalty and called for restraint among supporters.
“We are together… no insults to our leaders. Let us remain united,” he said.
The meeting is seen as part of broader efforts to stabilise the political landscape in Ebonyi ahead of the 2027 elections, with consultations expected to continue toward achieving consensus among stakeholders.
