By Nkechi Eze
A brewing political tension in Ebonyi Central has been swiftly contained following the intervention of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, who called for unity among stakeholders and urged alignment with the state leadership ahead of the next election cycle.
According to an official signed statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works on Media, Francis Nwaze, the intervention was prompted by a viral video from April 24, 2026, which captured a disagreement between the Senator representing Ebonyi Central, Senator Ken Eze, and a National Assembly aspirant from Ikwo Local Government Area, Chief Christian Asaga Nwali. The incident occurred during a burial ceremony and centred on succession plans for the Ebonyi Central senatorial seat.
Concerned about the implications of the disagreement, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, who described both figures as his political mentees, convened a reconciliation meeting on April 26, bringing the parties together in a bid to restore order and reinforce cohesion within the political structure.
Speaking after the meeting, the minister commended both leaders for their maturity and willingness to resolve the misunderstanding, noting that the issue was largely driven by supporters rather than direct personal conflict. He recalled that there had been a prior understanding on zoning arrangements, indicating that the Ebonyi Central senatorial seat was expected to rotate to Ikwo after the current tenure, a position linked to decisions taken during the administration of former Governor Chief Martin Elechi.
Despite this, Umahi emphasized that political dynamics remain fluid and must be guided by prevailing realities and collective leadership decisions. He advised both camps to channel their concerns through the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, stressing that only structured engagement involving the governor and selected leaders from the affected blocs can produce a sustainable resolution.
The minister underscored the importance of maintaining peace, noting that while every aspirant has the right to contest, final decisions must align with broader political interests and stability within the state.
Shifting focus to national politics, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, stressed that unity within Ebonyi remains critical to delivering overwhelming electoral support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He declared that political strategies at all levels must be tailored towards securing what he described as a decisive mandate for the President, citing ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the state as justification for sustained support.
He further disclosed plans to work closely with the state government to ensure the emergence of consensus candidates for National Assembly positions, noting that such coordination is essential for achieving electoral objectives.
Umahi also reaffirmed unwavering support for Governor Francis Nwifuru, warning against any attempts to destabilize his administration, and reiterating a collective commitment to continuity in governance.
In their separate remarks, Senator Ken Eze and Chief Christian Asaga Nwali expressed appreciation for the minister’s intervention, pledging to maintain unity and urging their supporters to refrain from inflammatory comments, particularly on social media. Both leaders emphasized respect for constituted authority and called for calm as consultations continue.
The development signals a strategic effort by key political actors in Ebonyi State to manage internal differences and consolidate support structures ahead of forthcoming electoral contests, with a strong emphasis on unity, consensus-building, and alignment with national political objectives.
