Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has moved to quash reports of a falling out with Minister of Works David Umahi over the selection of APC consensus candidates for the 2027 elections.
Rumours had swirled that aspirants backed by Umahi, a former governor of the state, were excluded during the party's process of picking consensus candidates in Ebonyi. The speculation fuelled talk of tension between the two powerful politicians as the election cycle approached.
Nwifuru dismissed the claims, saying the consensus candidate selection followed proper party procedures and reflected broad consultation across all stakeholders. He said the process was transparent and designed to field the strongest candidates for the general election.
Umahi, who now holds the Works portfolio in President Bola Tinubu's cabinet, has remained influential in Ebonyi politics despite his move to Abuja. His political structure in the state still commands significant backing, making any visible crack with the sitting governor a matter of party interest.
The governor's statement came as the APC continued its preparations for the 2027 elections. Party officials have said the consensus approach aims to strengthen the party's position in stronghold states like Ebonyi and reduce internal contests that could weaken candidates in the general election.
Neither Nwifuruguay nor Umahi has made public statements directly addressing specific disputes, but political watchers in Ebonyi say the denial itself signals both men want to manage their relationship carefully ahead of 2027. The state has been a firm APC territory, and both figures carry weight in determining who represents the party.
