ABUJA — Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, has firmly dismissed claims of an operating multi-party “Rainbow Coalition” in Ebonyi State, declaring that the state political structure remains strictly aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under Governor Francis Nwifuru.
Speaking to newsmen on Saturday, September 26, 2026, Umahi responded to political speculations that cross-party alliances—similar to those championed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—were being replicated in the South-East state to navigate local ticket disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Insisting that Ebonyi needs no hybrid political outfits, Umahi maintained that total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is rooted in visible federal performance, ongoing infrastructure delivery, and firm party discipline rather than political maneuvering.
“There is no ‘Rainbow Coalition’ in Ebonyi State,” Umahi declared. “Ebonyi is 100 percent APC, fully backing Governor Francis Nwifuru and standing solidly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What we have is a unified political family committed to deliverable development, not cross-party speculation.”
The Minister highlighted that the South-East’s economic future depends heavily on executive continuity and the completion of major federal infrastructure corridors—such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and regional road interconnections—arguing that political instability or administration changes would stall crucial projects across the region.
Addressing reported friction between his political bloc and Governor Nwifuru regarding candidate nominations, Umahi refuted claims that he engineered underground moves to plant candidates across opposition parties like the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) or PDP. Clarifying his son’s recent nomination as Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area, Umahi disclosed that the decision was made entirely by Governor Nwifuru without his influence, adding that he advised his son to ensure equitable development across all council wards.
Umahi warned opposition interests against attempting to instigate political unrest in the state, asserting that security agencies and established state APC leadership remain fully in control as the 2027 electoral cycle approaches.
