Minister of Works David Umahi has intervened to resolve a political rift between two Ebonyi Central stakeholders, urging aspirants to close ranks with Governor Francis Nwifuru and work toward consensus candidates ahead of the next election cycle.
The move followed a video that emerged on April 24, 2026, showing a disagreement between Senator Ken Eze, who represents Ebonyi Central, and National Assembly aspirant Chief Christian Asaga Nwali of Ikwo Local Government Area. The exchange, which occurred at the burial of Chief Peter Orogwu’s father, centered on succession to the senatorial seat after Eze’s current tenure.
Umahi, who described both men as his “political mentees,” hosted the two leaders on April 26 in a meeting aimed at easing tensions. “Sen. Ken Eze is my product, C-sagas is my product but they are having some issues, not directly but their boys is causing some problems for a matter that doesn’t lie in their hands,” the minister said.
He noted that there was a prior understanding that the Ebonyi Central senatorial seat would rotate to Ikwo after the current four-year term, a decision he said was made under his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi. “Of course he was very strategic in my administration. So that is why C-sagas can say he is contesting,” Umahi said.
However, the minister stressed that “politics is dynamic” and decisions must reflect present realities. “It is the right of everyone to contest but the decision is beyond them,” he said. Umahi advised both camps to engage Governor Nwifuru, describing him as “a man of great quality” who “must be accorded his own respect.”
“My advice to them is to gather 10 leaders from Ezza and Ikwo respectively and go and meet the governor,” Umahi said. “Only these two leaders have the capacity to resolve it. If Ikwo doesn’t go now, they will go in future, if Ezza doesn’t continue they will still have another opportunity but let that decision be between the governor and the selected leader from both clan.”
Turning to the 2027 elections, Umahi said unity was essential to deliver overwhelming support for President Bola Tinubu. He noted that the president had been “fully and totally adopted in Ebonyi state” and described Tinubu as “the sole candidate in Ebonyi state.”
Citing federal projects in the state, the minister said, “What the president is doing in Ebonyi state we have never had any federal project of even 10% of that magnitude.” He added that decisions on National Assembly seats would revolve around securing “maximum vote” for Tinubu, with a target of “95% vote.”
“Our vote is not for any clannish candidate. Our vote remains for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi said. He disclosed plans to work closely with the governor to “arrive at the consensus candidate of the National Assembly” and ensure the process is “strategic” and inclusive.
Umahi also declared strong backing for Governor Nwifuru’s second term. “Nobody should touch the governor of Ebonyi state position, it is a no go area… Because we are all committed to the two tenures of our governors,” he said.
Senator Eze thanked Umahi for the intervention, calling him “a good father” whose leadership continues to guide them. He appealed to supporters to avoid divisive rhetoric. “We’re brother. C-saga is my brother. We have no reason to quarrel… Please don’t fight in the social media. Please stop writing against any leader,” Eze said.
Chief Nwali also pledged to maintain peace and respect leadership. “We promise to always make you proud your excellency and Ebonyi will be peaceful as far as we’re concerned,” he said. “Please no insults to our leaders no insults to anyone, we’re together and in unison.”
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