2027: Umahi Backs Tinubu, Nwifuru, Pushes Consensus or Direct Primaries to Avert APC Rift in Ebonyi
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called for unity within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, urging party members and aspirants to embrace consensus-building or adopt direct primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The position was contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Minister of Works and signed by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), on April 29, 2026.
In the statement, Umahi revealed that he had consulted with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor of Ebonyi State, 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,” Umahi stated.
While affirming the democratic rights of aspirants, the minister reiterated his political alignment, declaring unwavering support for both President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.
“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,” he said.
Despite this stance, Umahi emphasized the importance of internal democracy, urging the governor to lead a transparent and inclusive process that prioritizes dialogue among aspirants.
“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.
The former Ebonyi governor stressed that his loyalty was not tied to any individual aspirant but to the broader objectives of party unity and electoral success.
“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.
Highlighting the stakes ahead of the elections, Umahi urged party faithful to close ranks and avoid actions that could weaken the APC’s chances.
“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,” he concluded.
The call comes amid growing political activities in Ebonyi State as parties begin early alignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 polls.
