By Charles Nwoke
Former Ebonyi State Governor and the serving Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, has dismissed claims of political tension between him and his successor, Governor Francis Nwifuru. In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday during the flag-off of the Calabar- Ebonyi- Benue- Nasarawa- Abuja Super Highway at Afikpo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Umahi made it clear that he is no longer interested in political power struggles and fully supports Nwifuru’s leadership.
“Some hungry people are trying to cause a crisis in this state. But I am not available,” Umahi said. “I have been badly used in the past. Not anymore.”
Umahi stated that during his eight-year tenure as governor, he held firm control over the political structures in the state. However, he stressed that he has since stepped back and has no intention of competing with the current administration.
“I can’t do that. I am too busy,” he said. “The Governor is the leader of the party in the state, and his words are final when it comes to party structure. When you are conducting your congresses and conventions, I will be in Dubai.”
Umahi also shut down growing rumours that Governor Nwifuru signed a one-term agreement with the All Progressives Congress (APC). He described the claims as baseless and false.
“There is no such agreement anywhere,” he stated. “I supported him to become Governor without any conditions. His eight years are sacrosanct. That is already taken for granted.”
The senator praised Nwifuru for maintaining unity within the state and the APC. He said the current administration enjoys an unprecedented lack of opposition, a contrast to his own time in office.
“As David, I fought wars for eight years. But he is very lucky. No opposition anywhere under him. Those who could have opposed him have all joined us.”
Umahi encouraged the Governor to stay focused on governance and ignore distractions from critics. Reflecting on his own experience, he noted how public perception can shift over time.
“When I was Governor, they shouted hunger everywhere. They said I was doing nothing. But now, they say I was a good Governor,” he said.
He described Nwifuru as calm, unbothered by online criticisms, and destined to complete two terms in office.
“Governor Nwifuru is not just any Governor. You can’t get him angry with social media posts unlike me. He will complete 8 years because there is no opposition in Ebonyi.”
Umahi ended his address with a firm endorsement of both Nwifuru and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, urging continued support for the current administration.
“You have my support and the support of the good people of Ebonyi State,” he said.
