Senator David Umahi, the former Governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, has publicly endorsed his successor, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for a second term in office in 2027.
Umahi made this endorsement during a New Year visit to Nwifuru’s home in Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, where he was accompanied by former members of his Executive Council. The former two-term governor expressed strong confidence in Nwifuru’s leadership, praising his integrity, dedication, and hard work.
Reflecting on their shared history, Umahi spoke highly of Nwifuru’s role as Speaker of the State House of Assembly during his tenure, acknowledging that the governor had been instrumental to his own accomplishments. Umahi stated, “We came today to pay homage to our governor, a man in whom I find no fault. We began this journey long before I became governor, passing through challenging times together.”
He continued, “Throughout my tenure, I never had any issue with you. You were always committed to hard work, diligence, and integrity. I have publicly declared that your tenure will last eight years, and here, in the land of Izzi, your home, I repeat that your re-election is guaranteed. Friends and associates will fund it, and you will not spend a penny.”
Umahi also emphasized that Nwifuru’s re-election was certain due to his significant contributions to the state’s progress, reaffirming, “There is no legacy we achieved in Ebonyi State that you were not part of. Your eight years in office are unstoppable.”
In his response, Governor Nwifuru assured that no amount of gossip or negative campaigns would affect the bond between him and his predecessor. He commended Umahi for his statesmanship and for helping to shape the vision of the state, promising to continue building on the democratic achievements made under Umahi’s leadership.
“I sincerely thank former Governor Umahi for his ongoing support in helping us implement our programs,” Nwifuru said. “We will continue from where he left off.”
This gesture by Umahi is expected to put an end to speculations about any rift between the two, reaffirming their strong political relationship and shared commitment to the state’s development.