Nigeria's Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has dismissed claims of a 'Rainbow Coalition' in Ebonyi State, a multi-political party platform promoted by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Umahi stated that Ebonyi State remains aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates. He made these comments during an inspection of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway in Benue State.
The Rainbow Coalition, initiated by Wike, aims to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027 while allowing for support of non-APC candidates in other elections. Umahi clarified that there was no such coalition in Ebonyi State, emphasizing his commitment to the APC. He also inspected Section Two of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway project at Ado and directed contractors to accelerate construction.
Umahi's statement comes amid reports that he was forming a similar political arrangement in Ebonyi State. He expressed that if Wike had candidates in the state, he was not aware of them, and such candidates would not affect his relationship with the APC. Umahi also revisited his past criticism of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing that he left the party due to its failure to recognise the interests of the South-east adequately.
The former Ebonyi State governor recalled his support for the PDP, including voting for presidents from the party, but expressed disappointment that the party did not honour the South-east when it was their turn. Umahi warned political actors against hate speech and attempts to cause disorder in Ebonyi State, stating that anyone wishing to campaign in the state was free to do so but must do so responsibly.
Umahi linked his political support for President Tinubu to the federal government's infrastructure programme, rejecting claims that he had concentrated federal projects in the South-east. He cited publications of ongoing projects by President Tinubu, arguing that the South-east was receiving infrastructure projects as part of the federal government's wider programme.
The minister emphasized that Nigerians should assess the administration through projects already being executed rather than campaign promises. He encouraged evaluating the past and present to determine the administration's performance. Umahi expressed confidence that the South-east would not be last in project distribution.
Umahi concluded that his role as Minister of Works was under the directives of President Tinubu, his boss. He urged for a focus on the actual projects being executed, rather than assumptions about project allocations.
Key points
- Umahi denies existence of 'Rainbow Coalition' in Ebonyi State.
- Ebonyi State remains aligned with the APC and its candidates.
- Umahi links support for Tinubu to federal infrastructure projects.
