Ebonyi APC Knocks Umahi over ‘Provocative’ Remarks
…Reaffirms loyalty to Tinubu, Nwifuru
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ebonyi State chapter has expressed strong disapproval of comments credited to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, describing parts of his remarks as capable of misleading party faithful and triggering internal crisis.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the State Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr. Arum Kenechukwu, the party said although it agrees with some aspects of the Minister’s position, other parts appear “calculated to incite tension and cause avoidable political instability” within the state chapter.
The party reaffirmed its unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, insisting that both leaders remain its undisputed standard bearers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the statement, the party has already concluded arrangements to deliver overwhelming electoral support for the President and the Governor, noting that stakeholders across the state have intensified grassroots mobilization and voter sensitization.
However, the ruling party expressed concern over a publication titled “Umahi restates support for Tinubu, Nwifuru, urges consensus or direct primaries for party unity in Ebonyi,” saying it contained suggestions that could be interpreted as encouraging aspirants to bypass the authority of the Governor.
“It is surprising and unacceptable that statements credited to a leader of such stature appear to contradict the structure and cohesion he helped build,” the statement read.
The party warned that encouraging aspirants to obtain nomination forms or pursue ambitions without the knowledge and endorsement of the Governor amounts to a breach of party discipline and could spark disunity.
While acknowledging Umahi’s claim that there was no directive from the President barring aspirants from purchasing forms, the APC cautioned against interpreting such a position as a license for indiscipline.
The release further raised concerns about the credibility of the publication, hinting at possible misrepresentation by the Minister’s media handlers, and described the tone as “provocative” and capable of creating a false impression of disunity between the President and the Governor.
Reiterating that all political activities in the state must align with the leadership of the Governor, the party stressed that loyalty, discipline and respect for constituted authority remain non-negotiable.
The APC warned that any individual who disregards the Governor’s directives does so at their own risk, adding that such actions would be treated as disloyalty to the party.
The party, therefore, urged stakeholders to avoid actions capable of plunging the party into crisis and to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status.
