Minister of Works David Umahi has declared that lack of funds will not be a challenge in the 2027 election campaigns for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Umahi made the declaration at the weekend during the grand finale of the Ohanivo New Yam Festival held at Oshiri Primary School in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
He used the event to mobilise support among South-Easterners for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s general election.
The minister restated that he had more than 5,000 billionaire friends whose financial support would be felt during the campaigns, insisting that the election would be a movement to consolidate what he described as development in Ebonyi State.
“We have nothing to worry about. If it comes to money, I have over 5,000 billionaires who are my friends. Money will not be a problem. This election will be a movement of our peace in South-East,” Umahi reiterated.
He declared that the APC would embark on a grassroots mobilisation campaign across the state and urged the people to vote for Tinubu at the presidential level, Nwifuru for governor and Senator Anthony Ani for Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, respectively.
“We go from house to house to educate our people. All our votes will be for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Nwifuru and Senator Anthony Ani,” he said.
Umahi urged supporters not to destroy campaign posters or disrupt the activities of opposition parties, stating that everybody was free to campaign.
“We cannot be deceived. South-East will support President Tinubu. There was no vacancy in Ebonyi State Government House.”
In a remark, Governor Nwifuru recalled the political developments leading to his emergence as governor in 2023, stating that the people of Ohanivo had demonstrated confidence in him.
He said the support he received from the community had given him the confidence to seek another term in office.
“Today is the first time I am receiving a blessing personally for my second term in office. A lot of clans and tribes have been inviting me to attend their functions. I deserve to take a blessing from them. I waited for that of Ohanivo,” he said.
Nwifuru commended Umahi for his role at the federal level, describing his representation of Ebonyi and the South-East in the Federal Executive Council as effective.
In a motion endorsing President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru moved by Chief Ifesinachi Odii and supported by Ogbuefi Enekwachi Akpa, the people of Ohanivo urged Governor Nwifuru not to be distracted by what they described as the activities of “political merchants.”
Akpa, who chaired the occasion, said the New Yam Festival was a celebration of thanksgiving, culture, hard work and unity.
