2027: Umahi Mobilises Ebonyi Stakeholders for Tinubu, Nwifuru, Demands Active Political Participation
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has mobilised political, traditional and religious leaders in Ebonyi State to take an active interest in politics, declaring that the people must determine their political future through deliberate choices and participation.
The minister spoke on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at a town hall meeting organised by the Directorate of Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.
At the meeting, Ebonyi stakeholders unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, endorsing both leaders for re-election in 2027.
Umahi, who addressed an audience comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders, serving and former lawmakers, government officials and other political stakeholders, warned that silence and political apathy could prevent communities from securing their rightful interests.
He particularly challenged traditional rulers in the Southeast who believe that politics is not part of their responsibilities, arguing that political decisions directly influence development, democracy and the welfare of their communities.
The minister said traditional institutions should recognise their influence and guide their subjects towards making informed political choices.
He equally urged religious leaders to participate in discussions about leadership and governance rather than restricting their responsibilities to preaching.
“The only way for evil to thrive is for good men to keep quiet,” Umahi said, insisting that religious leaders must contribute to building a strong foundation for responsible leadership.
He further called on Ebonyi people to overcome political sentiments and speak with one voice in pursuing the state’s interests.
According to him, the future of the state rests in the hands of its people, who must be prepared to make decisions that advance their collective development.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Southeast), Hon. Chioma Nweze, appealed to the Southeast to embrace political unity and collective voting ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nweze said the region’s voting pattern had affected its ability to negotiate effectively and influence decisions at the national level.
She argued that voting collectively for the winning political platform would give the Southeast greater bargaining power, improve its representation and create opportunities for more appointments.
“We have to be able to take our seats. We have to have a voice inside when decisions are taken,” she said.
The endorsement of Tinubu and Nwifuru followed a motion moved by Senator Julius Ali Ucha, who urged Ebonyi political leaders and eligible voters to adopt the APC and support all its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Ucha noted that Ebonyi State had benefited from the present administration, particularly through Umahi’s appointment as Minister of Works, describing it as an opportunity for the state to contribute to national development.
Senator Anthony Agbo, who seconded the motion, praised Umahi’s political strength, resilience and achievements, describing him as a distinguished son of Ebonyi whose leadership had brought pride to the state.
Agbo also commended the minister for remaining steadfast despite political opposition, saying his accomplishments had established him as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Following the adoption of the motion, Umahi urged stakeholders to ensure that the endorsement translated into massive votes for the APC in 2027.
He called on Ebonyi people to support Tinubu’s re-election to complete his constitutionally allowed eight-year tenure, arguing that continued support would facilitate the completion of ongoing federal projects in the state and attract additional development initiatives.
The minister also endorsed Governor Nwifuru for a second term, declaring that he should complete his eight years in office.
Umahi further stated that the next governorship candidate should come from the North Senatorial District, maintaining that Nwifuru should continue in office.
He vowed that the political resolution reached at the town hall meeting would be taken to every community and household across Ebonyi State.
“That Ebonyi State will massively vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete his eight years in office and for all the projects in Ebonyi State to be completed and for new ones to be initiated, and for more appointments to Ebonyi State,” he said.
He added that the state would vote for all APC candidates, from the presidential election to the governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly contests.
The stakeholders unanimously affirmed the endorsement, bringing the meeting to a close amid loud applause and ovations.
