RismadarVoice Reporters
October 18, 2026
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru will secure overwhelming victories in the 2027 general elections, setting a target of winning 95 per cent of polling units across the state.
Umahi made the declaration on Sunday during a political sensitisation programme in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, involving supporters from the Ebonyi North and Ebonyi Central senatorial zones.
The former Ebonyi governor, who serves as Deputy Director-General for Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation in Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign structure, maintained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had established a strong political presence in the state.
He dismissed the prospects of opposition parties seeking to defeat the APC in Ebonyi, insisting that the party possessed the political organisation and grassroots support needed to retain control of the state.
UMAHI OUTLINES 2027 CAMPAIGN STRATEGY
Addressing party supporters, Umahi said the APC would adopt a more extensive grassroots mobilisation strategy ahead of the elections.
According to him, party officials and campaign volunteers would engage residents directly in their communities, explaining government programmes and encouraging support for Tinubu and Nwifuru.
The minister indicated that the campaign would involve early-morning visits to households, including meetings with community elders, women and other residents.
He maintained that the party’s objective was to reach voters across the state rather than rely exclusively on large political rallies.
Umahi said the APC would intensify voter education and political mobilisation to achieve its electoral target.
He explained that the party was aiming to win 95 per cent of polling units in Ebonyi, rather than settling for a lower target.
The minister’s statement was a campaign projection, not an indication of actual voting results or a verified assessment of public support.
MINISTER DISMISSES OPPOSITION CHANCES
Umahi also criticised opposition politicians who believe they can defeat the APC in Ebonyi during the forthcoming elections.
He described their expectations as unrealistic and argued that the governing party remained firmly established in the state.
The minister expressed confidence that Nwifuru would secure a second term as governor, while Tinubu would also win re-election.
He said influential party supporters, including businesspeople, youths, women and community leaders, would contribute resources and organisational support to the APC’s campaign.
Umahi maintained that the party’s political network would play a major role in mobilising voters.
However, the eventual outcome will depend on the choices made by eligible voters during the elections.
UMAHI CITES FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
The Works Minister identified ongoing federal infrastructure projects as a major reason he believes Ebonyi residents should support Tinubu’s re-election.
He highlighted road and bridge developments intended to improve transportation links between Ebonyi, neighbouring South-East states and parts of the North-Central region.
According to Umahi, the Federal Government is undertaking projects connecting communities around Ndibe, Onueke, Ukwuachi and Ishieke, with wider road links extending towards Benue, Enugu, Kogi and Nasarawa states.
He argued that the projects would improve accessibility, strengthen economic activities and reduce transportation difficulties for residents and businesses.
The minister also referred to efforts to complete the Oferekpe road and bridge project, which he said would improve connectivity between communities.
Umahi expressed optimism that improved road infrastructure could significantly reduce travel time between Ebonyi and Abuja.
He suggested that journeys from parts of Ebonyi to the Federal Capital Territory could eventually take approximately three hours when the relevant road projects are completed.
That estimate remains a projection rather than an independently established journey time.
APC SEEKS STRONGER GRASSROOTS SUPPORT
Umahi urged party members to strengthen their engagement with communities and promote the administration’s achievements ahead of the 2027 polls.
He maintained that the party should focus on communicating the benefits of government projects and programmes to voters.
The minister also called for unity among APC supporters, stressing the importance of coordinated political activities across the state.
At the event, the traditional ruler of Nkaliki Unuhu Achara, Eze Sunday Oketa, expressed support for the APC and confidence in the party’s electoral prospects.
His remarks reflected the political support voiced at the gathering, although they do not establish the voting preferences of all residents in the community.
2027 CONTEST REMAINS OPEN
Umahi’s declaration comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections.
Ebonyi is expected to remain an important political battleground as the APC seeks to consolidate its influence and opposition parties attempt to attract voters.
While the minister has projected overwhelming support for Tinubu and Nwifuru, the actual level of public backing will become clear through the electoral process.
The APC’s ability to achieve its target will depend on voter turnout, campaign effectiveness, the strength of opposition candidates and public assessments of government performance.
For now, Umahi has made clear that the party intends to pursue an aggressive grassroots campaign, with the stated ambition of delivering a decisive victory for its candidates in Ebonyi State.
