Ebonyi has no rainbow coalition, state remains firmly with APC – Umahi

Minister of Works David Umahi has dismissed rumors of a political "rainbow coalition" in Ebonyi State, asserting that the state remains firmly aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement came during Umahi's inspection of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway in Benue State.

The controversy stems from disagreements between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and some APC governors over the possibility of politicians supporting President Bola Tinubu while maintaining separate political arrangements at state and legislative levels. Umahi clarified that he has not received any candidate from Wike and emphasized that his candidate is not part of any relationship with Wike.

He also addressed his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that the party failed to honor the interests of the South-East, which led to his departure. Umahi encouraged anyone wishing to campaign in Ebonyi to do so but warned against inflammatory rhetoric and attempts to destabilize the state. He rejected claims that his position as Works Minister had led to an unequal distribution of federal projects, asserting that the South-East is benefiting from the broader infrastructure program initiated by President Bola Tinubu.