Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, while urging party members in the state to embrace unity and internal democracy.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide in Abuja, Francis Nwaze, Umahi addressed ongoing political activities in Ebonyi, clarifying that there was no directive from the President barring aspirants from purchasing nomination forms.

“I have spoken to Mr President and our governor, and there was no instruction from Mr President that those who want to contest elections in Ebonyi State should be shut off from buying forms,” he said.

While acknowledging the constitutional rights of aspirants to contest, the former Ebonyi State governor reiterated his political alignment within the state, declaring support for Governor Nwifuru as the preferred candidate.

“However, in Ebonyi State, my support is to the governor, as we have adopted him as the sole candidate. This is the position of Mr President nationwide, and our governor agrees with me,” Umahi stated.

The minister, however, emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence and internal mechanisms that would prevent division within the party. He urged the governor to lead a transparent process aimed at achieving consensus among aspirants where possible.

“Dialogue and negotiation should be adopted by the governor as to possibly reach consensus among all aspirants, and where consensus is not reached, then direct primaries must take place,” he added.

Umahi further stressed that his loyalty remains with the party leadership rather than individual aspirants, noting that unity is critical to electoral success.

“I have no interest in any aspirant other than my support for the governor and president. Consensus is only among aspirants supervised by the leader of the party, the governor,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of cohesion within the party, the minister noted that the APC’s strength lies in collective effort and shared sacrifices.

“This position is to keep the party we have suffered to build together and ensure that we are united to make big votes for all our candidates, especially the President and Governor. No one person can do this alone. We need one another,” Umahi said.