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Umahi Reaffirms Loyalty to Tinubu, Backs Nwifuru, Advocates Consensus or Direct Primaries to Strengthen Party Unity in Ebonyi

Published

5 months ago

April 30, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, CON has once again the political activities going on in Ebonyi State, urging members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections to embrace dialogue, unity, and party discipline.

In a message directed at party faithful on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Umahi said he had consulted with the President, HE Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the Ebonyi State Governor, HE Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, clarifying that there was no directive from the President stopping any aspirant 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 stated.

While affirming the democratic right of aspirants, the former Ebonyi State Governor and Minister of Works reiterated his firm political stance within the state, throwing his weight behind the president and governor.

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

He, however, stressed the importance of internal democracy and peaceful engagement among party members, encouraging the governor to lead a process that prioritizes consensus 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 made it clear that his political loyalty remains firmly with both the President and the Governor and not on any individual.

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

Emphasizing the need for unity, the Minister noted that the strength of the APC lies in its collective effort and shared sacrifices over the years.

“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 concluded.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

16 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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