Former Ebonyi State Governor and Works Minister, David Umahi, has dismissed reports of a Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi State. Umahi said the state remains firmly aligned with the All Progressives Congress and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
He spoke on Friday, September 25, 2026, during an inspection of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway in Benue State. His comments came amid fresh disagreements over the political coalition linked to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Umahi: No Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi
Umahi said Wike had not informed him about any candidates in Ebonyi.
“There is no rainbow coalition in Ebonyi State,” he declared.
He also said Wike’s political candidates would not affect their relationship. Meanwhile, Umahi defended his past decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to him, the PDP failed to properly recognise the South-East after receiving the region’s support. He also warned political actors against hate speech and attempts to cause trouble in Ebonyi.
Umahi Defends Tinubu’s Projects
Beyond politics, Umahi defended the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects under President Bola Tinubu. He rejected claims that he had directed most federal projects to the South-East.
“I’m not on my own. The President is my boss,” he said.
Umahi added that project distribution would not leave the South-East behind. He urged Nigerians to judge the administration by projects already under construction.
“Let us compare the past with the present,” he said.
Minister Orders Faster Work
During the inspection, Umahi ordered contractors to speed up work on the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway. Section Two covers about 173.6 kilometres and costs about N683 billion. Section One has a contract value of about N454 billion. He also stopped contractors from demolishing buildings along the current route. Engineers must first review possible realignments.
Umahi further defended his support for Tinubu’s 2027 bid. He said continuity would help major infrastructure projects reach completion.
On his son’s nomination as Ohaozara council chairman, Umahi said Governor Francis Nwifuru made the nomination. He advised his son to share development fairly across all 11 wards.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Umahi’s comments underline his continued support for Tinubu and the APC. At the same time, he wants political actors to focus on development without creating tension in Ebonyi.
For now, David Unamhi insists the state has no Rainbow Coalition and remains committed to the APC.
