Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has denied involvement in a political alliance linked to the "Rainbow Coalition" in Ebonyi State. The coalition, promoted by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, aims to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027. Umahi stated that Ebonyi remains firmly aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates.
Wike's Rainbow Coalition is a cross-party platform for supporting President Tinubu's re-election. He argues that politicians can support Tinubu at the presidential level while making independent choices in governorship and legislative elections. However, sections of the APC, including some governors, oppose the arrangement, fearing it could affect APC candidates in other elections.
Umahi's denial of involvement in the Rainbow Coalition comes after the APC leadership in the South-East rejected the arrangement. The South-East APC leadership, which includes party structures in Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo states, declared its support for the Progressive Governors' Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Uzodimma stated that governors would not participate in or endorse an alliance that could undermine Tinubu's re-election bid or the APC. Wike has rejected criticism, saying the Rainbow Coalition is not an APC platform and its primary objective is to mobilize support for Tinubu. He emphasized that supporting the President does not mean abandoning their political parties or supporting APC candidates in every election.
Umahi also addressed his political break from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said his decision to leave the PDP was influenced by the party's failure to recognize the interests of the South-East. Umahi, who governed Ebonyi before joining the APC and becoming a minister, warned politicians against making statements that could create tension in the state.
The minister addressed claims that he had concentrated Federal Government projects in the South-East due to his position as Works Minister. He rejected the allegation, stating that infrastructure projects across the country are part of the Tinubu administration's wider programme. Umahi made his support for Tinubu's 2027 presidential bid clear, citing the administration's infrastructure projects and reforms.
Umahi argued that continuity is crucial for major infrastructure projects, which require years to complete. He believes that President Tinubu is the best person to continue these projects, and that Ebonyi State would benefit from his continued leadership.
Key points
- Umahi denies involvement in Wike's Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi State.
- The APC leadership in the South-East rejects the Rainbow Coalition.
- Umahi expresses support for President Tinubu's 2027 presidential bid.
