The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stepped into an emerging political disagreement in Ebonyi Central senatorial district, calling on stakeholders to close ranks, embrace consensus-building, and align with the state leadership ahead of the next election cycle.
The intervention followed a viral video from April 24, 2026, showing a misunderstanding between the Senator representing Ebonyi Central, Senator Ken Eze, and a National Assembly aspirant from Ikwo Local Government Area, Christian Nwali, popularly known as C Sagas, during a burial event in the state.
The disagreement, which quickly spread across social media, was reportedly linked to succession politics ahead of the end of Eze’s tenure, triggering concerns over zoning arrangements and internal cohesion within the political bloc.
A statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media, Francis Nwaze, on Sunday, said Umahi convened an emergency reconciliation meeting on April 26 with both parties, describing the situation as unnecessary and preventable.
The statement read, “The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has intervened in the emerging disagreement among political stakeholders in Ebonyi Central, calling for unity, restraint, and alignment with the leadership of the state as preparations intensify ahead of the next election cycle.
“The intervention followed a video that surfaced on April 24, 2026, showing what appeared to be a misunderstanding between the senator representing Ebonyi Central, Senator 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 drew attention online, centered on who should succeed Senator Eze at the end of his current tenure.”
Speaking during the meeting, Umahi said, “I want to thank you people highly for this show of respect coming from you concerning what ordinarily should not be a problem.
“Senator 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.”
The minister recalled that a prior zoning understanding had indicated that the Ebonyi Central senatorial seat would rotate to Ikwo after the current tenure, but stressed that political realities remain fluid.
“Firstly, the central senatorial seat had an agreement that after the present four-year term, it will go to Ikwo. Of course, he can say he is contesting,” he said.
Umahi, however, cautioned that political ambitions must be moderated by discipline and consultation, insisting that only structured dialogue could prevent escalation.
“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,” he said.
He urged both political camps to engage Governor Francis Nwifuru and a select group of leaders from Ezza and Ikwo for a mediated resolution.
“I have advised them that we have a governor in the state. he is a man of great quality. 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,” Umahi stated.
According to him, only such a structured political dialogue can ensure fairness, stability, and continuity of governance arrangements.
“Only these two leaders have the capacity to resolve it. Let that decision be between the governor and the selected leaders from both clans,” he added.
Beyond the immediate dispute, Umahi used the opportunity to reinforce a broader political directive, urging unity within the state’s political structure in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“They are one people and we wouldn’t allow anything to divide them. the president is fully and totally adopted in Ebonyi State,” he said.
He further declared that Ebonyi’s political strategy would be anchored on delivering overwhelming electoral support for the President.
“We give President Tinubu 95 per cent vote. Our vote is not for any clannish candidate. Our vote remains for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi said.
The minister linked this position to what he described as unprecedented federal infrastructure investment in the state under the current administration.
“What the president is doing in Ebonyi State, we have never had any federal project of even 10 per cent of that magnitude,” he added.
Umahi also hinted at ongoing consultations to ensure consensus candidates emerge for National Assembly positions, in alignment with the broader political direction of the state leadership.
“It is a very strategic move. we are going to be making and I will be working closely with the governor to ensure that we carry the people along,” he said.
He, however, issued a strong political warning, declaring the governor’s position “a no-go area” and urging loyalty to the current administration.
Earlier, Eze thanked the minister for his intervention, describing him as a father figure whose leadership had helped stabilise the situation.
“You’re a good father. We came to you as your children to intervene and we’re proud of you,” he said.
Eze also appealed to supporters to avoid inflammatory comments, particularly on social media, warning that internal disputes should not be escalated publicly.
“Please don’t fight on social media. if you write against any leader, you are not writing for me,” he cautioned.
Similarly, Nwali called for restraint and unity, stressing that political differences should not override communal ties.
“We are all your subjects. it is only God that enthrones a leader. Please no insults to our leaders,” he said.
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