Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed speculations of a political rainbow coalition involving him and opposition interests in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Umahi spoke during an inspection of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway in Ado, Benue State, where he reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu.
Responding to questions on his relationship with former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike and suggestions of a broader coalition in Ebonyi, Umahi said Wike’s political interests would not affect his commitment to 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.
He insisted there was no alliance with opposition figures and that Ebonyi remains firmly APC.
Umahi also explained his exit from Peoples Democratic Party, saying PDP failed to recognise Southeast interests despite years of support.
“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 opponents are free to campaign in Ebonyi but warned against hate speech.
“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,” he said.
The minister defended Tinubu administration’s infrastructure record, saying Nigerians should judge government by ongoing projects.
On 2027, Umahi said his support for Tinubu is based on belief in his vision.
“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,” he said.
He said continuity was needed to complete long-term projects.
“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.
“Nobody can foment crisis in Ebonyi State,” Umahi added.
