In a massive show of solidarity, the people of Ebonyi State on Monday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as their sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election, with Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, declaring that the state would never turn its back on a leader he said has transformed the fortunes of Ebonyi and the South-East.
The endorsement took place at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, during a grand gathering attended by top political leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders and party faithful from across the state.
Addressing the millions of Ebonyians, Umahi said the endorsement was in appreciation of Ebonyi people for the unprecedented federal presence the state has enjoyed under President Tinubu.
“We are not going to make another mistake. The past belongs to accident of history,” Umahi declared.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done a lot, not just for Ebonyi State, but for the entire southeast. As he’s doing for other geopolitical zones, he’s doing for us.”
The Ministe highlighted several landmark federal infrastructure projects being executed under the Tinubu administration, describing them as evidence of the President’s commitment to the development of the region.
According to him, one of the signature projects in Ebonyi alone is valued at about N445 billion.
“One single project, one, which is 123km only in Ebonyi state, is 445 billion naira.
“One single project running from Ndibe Beach down to Nbeke Ishieke, the boundary with Benue State. That is the project, Trans-Sahara project, and it is the top legacy project of the president.”
Umahi also pointed to the dualisation of the Enugu-Abakaliki Road and the Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe Road as major interventions that will significantly boost economic activities and regional connectivity.
“Shall we talk about dualization of Enugu to Abakaliki, 118km, 183b. Shall we talk about dualization of Afikpo to Uturu to Okigwe, 193b, which is 64km.”
The Minister further referenced strategic bridge projects linking communities and states, stressing that the South-East now enjoys a level of federal attention that was previously absent.
“Is it to talk about the bridge at Ofeeke crossing to our brothers in Cross River? Is it to talk about the famous Itu Bridge? Tell me, I’m grateful.”
He reflected on his years as Deputy Governor and Governor, contrasting them with what he described as the current era of federal inclusion for Ebonyi people.
“This is just a demonstration. We will never, never, never abandon our own. We will never abandon the man who has lifted the state.
“I was deputy governor, I was governor. There was no single appointment at the federal level here. But now, you see all the appointments in Ebonyi State.
“You see all the projects of the governor. You see all the projects of President Tinubu. We are very grateful.”
The Governor Francis Nwifuru said the endorsement of President Tinubu was a unanimous decision reached by the people of Ebonyi State after assessing the President’s performance, particularly his commitment to infrastructure development, economic reforms and inclusive governance. He maintained that the South-East has benefited immensely from the Renewed Hope agenda and that the state was duty-bound to support a leader who has demonstrated goodwill towards the region.
The governor also received a resounding endorsement for a second term in office, with stakeholders citing ongoing infrastructure development, empowerment programmes, education initiatives and governance reforms across the state as reasons for their support.
Throwing his weight behind the decisions of the people, Umahi formally endorsed both President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru for another term in office.
“And so I support the governor and the entire Ebonyi State in endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our sole candidate 2027 and endorsing Right Honorable Francis Nwifuru as the sole governorship candidate in Ebonyi State. Thank you very much.”
The event drew an impressive array of dignitaries, including Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, members of the National Assembly, Fmr Ministers, party leaders and other prominent figures from within and outside the South-East.