A brewing political storm in Ebonyi Central has been swiftly calmed by the intervention of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi.
The Minister successfully brokered a peace deal between two prominent political figures, Senator Ken Eze and Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, who were at odds over the senatorial seat, all while emphasizing the paramount goal of securing overwhelming support for
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
The disagreement, which surfaced in a viral video on April 24, 2026, depicted a
misunderstanding between Senator Eze, the incumbent representing Ebonyi Central, and Chief Nwali, a National Assembly aspirant from Ikwo Local Government Area.
The contention revolved around the succession plan for the senatorial seat after Eze’s current tenure, drawing significant online attention.
Concerned by the escalating tensions, Minister Umahi, who regards both men as his political mentees, promptly intervened.
On April 26, he convened a meeting with Senator Eze and Chief Nwali, aiming to restore order and reinforce unity within the state’s political landscape. 
Following the meeting, Umahi commended both parties for their maturity and willingness to resolve the issue.
“I want to thank you people highly for this show of respect coming from you concerning what ordinarily should not be a problem,” Umahi stated, acknowledging the underlying issues while noting that some of the friction was instigated by their supporters rather than the leaders themselves.
He recalled a previous agreement that the Ebonyi Central senatorial seat would rotate to Ikwo after the current term, a decision made by his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi, which explains Chief Nwali’s aspiration.However, Umahi underscored the dynamic nature of politics, asserting that current realities and collective leadership must guide decisions.
He advised both camps to present their
concerns to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, whom he lauded as a leader deserving of full respect.
“Only these two leaders have the capacity to resolve it,” Umahi stressed, suggesting a structured engagement involving the Governor and selected leaders from both Ezza and Ikwo clans to achieve a fair and lasting resolution.
Shifting focus to the broader political agenda, Umahi passionately emphasized the critical need for unity to deliver an overwhelming mandate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He reiterated the Governor’s recent declaration that President Tinubu is fully and totally adopted in Ebonyi State, proclaiming him as the sole candidate.
The Minister highlighted ongoing federal projects in Ebonyi as compelling reason for unwavering support, stating, “what the president is doing in Ebonyi state we have never had any federal project of even 10% of that magnitude.Umahi made it clear that all political decisions, including those concerning the National Assembly, must align with the objective of securing over 95% of the votes for President Tinubu.
“Our vote is not for any clannish candidate. Our vote remains for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he declared, adding that consultations would continue to ensure consensus candidates emerge for the National Assembly.
Both Senator Ken Eze and Chief Christian Asaga Nwali expressed their gratitude for Umahi’s intervention, recognizing him as a guiding father figure. Senator Eze appealed to supporters, particularly on social media, to cease actions that could deepen divisions,
emphasizing unity.
Chief Nwali echoed the call for respect and trust in the leadership process, urging supporters to refrain from insults.
The intervention by Minister Umahi not only aims to resolve internal political squabbles but also strategically aligns Ebonyi State’s political machinery to ensure a strong showing for President Tinubu’s re-election, leveraging perceived benefits of federal government projects in the state.
