Nigeria's Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has stated that his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, effectively ended the party's influence. This assertion was made during an inspection of the Abakaliki-Afikpo section of the Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Abuja Trans-Saharan Highway. Umahi expressed his commitment to ensuring the PDP remains inactive. He also spoke about his relationship with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Umahi described Wike as a good friend and brother, emphasizing that their bond remains unbroken. He clarified that there is no Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi State, his place of origin. According to Umahi, if Wike has candidates in the state, he has not been informed. He stressed that the presence of Wike's candidates would not affect their friendship.
The Minister of Works explained that his decision to leave the PDP was motivated by the party's treatment of the Southeast region. He claimed that despite supporting the PDP and voting for its presidential candidates, the people of the Southeast were not honored in return. Instead, they were allegedly maltreated. Umahi expressed hope in the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its candidates in Ebonyi State.
Umahi and the governor of Ebonyi State have taken a stance on political activities in the state. They have declared that anyone is free to campaign but will not tolerate attempts to foment crisis. According to Umahi, those who try to create instability will be run out of the state. This statement highlights the government's resolve to maintain peace and order during political activities.
The PDP has responded to Umahi's claims, stating that no politician can kill an opposition party in Nigeria. This reaction suggests that the PDP disputes Umahi's assertion that he ended the party's influence. The PDP's response indicates that they do not consider themselves defeated or inactive.
Umahi has also been involved in other developments related to infrastructure and politics. He recently expressed concerns about plans to gag him on social media over South-East road projects. Additionally, he has ordered contractors to open multiple work fronts on the superhighway project, demonstrating his commitment to infrastructure development in the region.
The dynamics between Umahi, Wike, and the PDP reflect the complex nature of Nigerian politics. Umahi's statements and actions indicate a strong commitment to his current political affiliations and a clear stance on the PDP. As a key figure in the APC, Umahi's moves are likely to have significant implications for the party's presence in Ebonyi State and beyond.
Key points
- Umahi claims his departure from PDP ended its influence.
- Umahi and Wike maintain a close relationship despite party affiliations.
- The PDP disputes Umahi's assertion that he ended the party's influence.
