Minister of Works David Umahi has predicted that President Bola Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru will secure 95% of votes in Ebonyi during the 2027 general elections. Umahi made the prediction on Sunday in Abakaliki during a sensitisation campaign for Ebonyi North and Central zones.
Umahi, who serves as Deputy Director-General for Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the Tinubu/All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, expressed confidence in the party’s chances. He described opposition candidates as jokers and declared Ebonyi firmly under APC control.
The former Ebonyi governor said Tinubu and Nwifuru would win their re-election bids. He also urged party supporters to mobilise voters and defend the APC’s political interests ahead of the polls. Similar mobilisation efforts have featured in other areas, including the APC’s sweep of Enugu’s local government election seats.
Umahi Predicts 95% Support for APC in Ebonyi
Umahi said the party would not settle for an 80% victory in the state. Instead, he said the campaign would target 95% of polling units through intensive grassroots engagement.
“President Bola Tinubu is going to win second tenure. Governor Francis Nwifuru is going to win second tenure,” Umahi said. He also expressed confidence that APC supporters would deliver victories for the party’s candidates.
The minister described Ebonyi as a strong APC base. He claimed that wealthy residents, youths, women and elders would contribute resources to support the party during the election.
Umahi also promised a more direct campaign strategy. According to him, party members would visit homes as early as 6am to engage parents and other residents. He said the campaign would focus on educating voters and communicating the party’s message.
The strategy reflects the importance of grassroots mobilisation ahead of elections. In Enugu, political parties previously signed a peace accord ahead of the local government polls, while security agencies also assured residents of a peaceful election.
Minister Dismisses Opposition’s Chances
Umahi dismissed claims that opposition candidates could defeat the APC in Ebonyi during the 2027 elections. He described those expressing confidence in winning the state as jokers.
The minister said he could not imagine losing Governor Nwifuru to another candidate. He also reaffirmed his support for Tinubu, Nwifuru and other APC candidates.
“We are supporting President Bola Tinubu, we are supporting the Governor, we are supporting the Minister of Works and we are supporting all APC candidates,” he said.
Umahi further pledged to defend the President and governor against criticism. He said Ebonyi had benefited from Tinubu’s administration and should support his bid for a second term.
However, the 95% projection remains Umahi’s political prediction ahead of the election. The eventual outcome will depend on voters and the electoral process. Political competition has also generated tensions elsewhere, including the reported incident involving Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue.
Umahi Highlights Federal Road Projects
The minister linked his confidence in the APC to infrastructure projects undertaken by the Federal Government. He listed several road and bridge projects that he said would improve connectivity across Ebonyi and neighbouring states.
Umahi mentioned routes linking Ndibe Beach, Onueke, Ukwuachi and Ishieke, extending towards the Benue State border. He also described road connections that pass through parts of Benue and Enugu before reaching Kogi State, alongside the Oweto Bridge project in Nasarawa State.
According to him, the projects would reduce travel time between Ebonyi and Abuja. Umahi said residents travelling from Afikpo and other parts of the South-East could reach the Federal Capital Territory within three hours once the relevant routes are completed.
He also said work was continuing on the Oferekpe Road and its bridge. He described the project as important for improving connections between communities across the South-East.
Infrastructure has featured prominently in development discussions across the region. For example, NACCIMA has praised Enugu’s security and economic ambitions, while another report details the state government’s efforts to sustain development gains.
Other reports have highlighted grassroots development, including the development efforts praised by the Igbo Eze South chairman. Regional economic initiatives also include the proposed South-East agro-development programme.
Traditional Ruler Backs APC Ahead of 2027
The traditional ruler of Nkaliki Unuhu Achara, Eze Sunday Oketa, also expressed confidence in the APC’s chances. He assured the party that Ebonyi would deliver votes for its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
His statement reinforced Umahi’s message during the sensitisation campaign. However, the comments represent the political positions of the speakers and do not establish how residents will vote.
Political mobilisation continues across the South-East as parties prepare for future elections. In Enugu, reports have covered APC support in Nara communities and support for the party in Nkerefi.
Other campaign reports include backing from Ohuani Idodo and Oruku stakeholders and support declared by Ihuokpara, Isienu and Akpawfu wards. Political activity has also featured in Ugbakwa wards’ declaration of support for the APC.
As the 2027 elections approach, parties are expected to intensify their campaigns and voter engagement. Campaign teams will also need to comply with electoral rules, including restrictions highlighted in the report on Enugu’s poster ban.
Umahi’s prediction places Ebonyi at the centre of the APC’s re-election campaign in the South-East. The coming months will show how the party’s mobilisation efforts translate into voter support across the state.
