Umahi Calls For Ceasefire Among Ebonyi Political Stakeholders

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

Given the unfolding grandstanding, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has called for ceasefire among political stakeholders in Ebonyi Central, advocating unity, and alignment with the leadership of the State. 

This was even as he pleaded with Ebonyi National Assembly hopefuls to close ranks with Governor Francis Nwifuru as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. 

This followed a video that surfaced on April 24, 2026, showing what appeared to be a misunderstanding between the Senator representing Ebonyi Central, Ken Eze, and a National Assembly aspirant from Ikwo Local Government Area, Chief Christian Asaga Nwali at the burial event of the father of Chief Peter Orogwu AKA BabyOku. 

The disagreement, which quickly elicited response online, centered on who should succeed Senator Eze at the end of his current tenure.

Concerned by the development, Umahi, who described both men as his political mentees, moved swiftly to douse tensions by hosting the two leaders last month in a meeting aimed at restoring order and reinforcing unity within the political family.

The minister commended both parties for their respect and willingness to resolve the issue.

"I want to thank you for this show of respect concerning what ordinarily should not be a problem. Sen. Ken Eze is my product, C Sagas is my product but they are having some issues, not directly but their boys are causing some problems for a matter that doesn’t lie in their hands," he said.

He recalled that the question of zoning had been addressed in the past, noting that there was an understanding that Ebonyi Central senatorial seat would rotate to Ikwo after the current tenure.

"Firstly, the central senatorial seat had an agreement that after the present four year term position, it will go to Ikwo and incidentally, the decision was made by my Boss and predecessor Chief Martin Elechi and the governor was in that meeting. Of course, he was very strategic in my administration. So that is why C-sagas can say he is contesting.

"Now, politics is dynamic, life is dynamic. Life is very very simple. I have advised them, first to maintain peace. It is the right of everyone to contest but the decision is beyond them," Umahi said. 

The minister urged both camps to take their concerns to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, whom he described as a leader deserving of full respect.

"I have advised them that we have a governor in the state, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, and he is a man of great quality. He has respect for all the leaders. He must be accorded his own respect. So my advice to them is to gather 10 leaders from Ezza and Ikwo respectively and go and meet the governor.

"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," he added. 

Shifting focus to the broader political landscape, Umahi emphasised the need for unity in order to deliver overwhelming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He pointed to ongoing Federal projects in the state as a strong reason for continued support.

"Any decision we’re going to make concerning the National assembly will revolve around getting maximum vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because of what he is doing in Ebonyi state; we have never had any Federal project of even 10% of that magnitude," he said. 

Umahi made it clear that political decisions at all levels must align with the goal of delivering a decisive mandate for the President.

"It is in our interest irrespective of what they are vying for. Make sure that we are very strategic and then bring up people and carry the people along so that we give President Tinubu 95% vote. Our vote is not for any clannish candidate. Our vote remains for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu…”

He added that consultations would continue to ensure consensus candidates emerge for the National Assembly.

The minister also reaffirmed strong support for the state governor, cautioning against supporters challenging his political position. 

Senator Ken Eze appreciated the minister’s intervention, describing him as a father figure whose leadership continues to guide them.

He appealed to supporters to avoid actions that could deepen divisions, especially on social media.

Also speaking, Chief Christian Asaga Nwali echoed the call for unity and respect for leadership.

He urged supporters to refrain from insults and trust the process.