Umahi: No ‘Rainbow Coalition’ In Ebonyi Ahead 2027

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed speculation of a political “rainbow coalition” involving him and other opposition interests in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Umahi, who spoke during an inspection of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway in Ado, Benue State, reaffirmed his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Responding to questions about his relationship with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and suggestions that a broader political coalition could emerge in Ebonyi, Umahi said Wike’s political interests in the state would not affect his relationship with the APC.

“If Wike has candidates here, he has not told me. And his candidate cannot break our relationship, but his candidate is not part of our relationship,” he said.

The minister said there was no political alliance between him and opposition interests in Ebonyi, stressing that the state remained firmly aligned with the APC.

Umahi also revisited his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, saying the party failed to adequately recognise the interests of the Southeast despite the region’s support for it over the years.

“We supported PDP. We voted for presidents in PDP. And when it was our time for them to honour us, they did not honour us. They maltreated us,” he said.

He said political opponents were free to campaign in Ebonyi but warned against hate speech and attempts to cause division.

“Anybody that wants to campaign, come and campaign. But don’t dish out hate speeches and you want to take those speeches, and you want that we should lay a red carpet for you. We will not do that,” Umahi said.

The minister also defended the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure record, arguing that Nigerians should assess the government based on projects already being executed rather than campaign promises.

“We tell our story. It’s not a question of saying, ‘I will do this, I’ll do this.’ What about the one that the person is doing? Let us compare the past with the present,” he said.

On the 2027 presidential election, Umahi said his support for Tinubu was based on his belief in the President’s vision and reforms.

“What gave rise is because I believe in President Bola Tinubu. I believe that he’s the one called of God. I believe in his vision. I believe in his reforms. I believe he’s the best person that I have worked with and for, and I’m very proud of working for him and working with him,” he said.

Umahi also linked continuity in government to the completion of major infrastructure projects, arguing that a change of administration could affect projects that require several years to complete.

“If, God forbid, another person says he’s President, all these projects will be stalled.

And I don’t think Ebonyi wants their projects to be stalled,” he said.

He further declared that political opponents would not be allowed to foment crisis in the state.

“Nobody can foment crisis in Ebonyi State,” Umahi said.