A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has cautioned leaders of the party in Ebonyi State against what he described as “unwarranted attacks” on the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, insisting that the former governor’s position on internal democracy aligns with the national direction of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Eze, in a statement issued on May 4, said the recent criticism of Umahi by the Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress was unnecessary and capable of deepening internal divisions. He warned that resorting to blame games, name-calling and unsubstantiated allegations could erode party cohesion at a critical political moment.
The former APC spokesman was reacting to a statement credited to the party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary in Ebonyi, Arum Kenechukwu, which faulted remarks attributed to Umahi on the conduct of party primaries and the role of the state governor in managing aspirants.
Eze argued that Umahi committed no offence by canvassing internal democracy and peaceful engagement among party stakeholders. According to him, the minister merely advocated a process where consensus could be pursued among aspirants, while allowing for direct primaries where agreement proves impossible.
“Having carefully reviewed the minister’s remarks, it is difficult to see where he erred. His position reflects a commitment to transparency, fairness and unity within the party,” Eze said.
He maintained that, although he is no longer a member of the APC, he could not “stand aloof” while a political figure he described as instrumental to the party’s growth in Ebonyi is subjected to public disparagement.
Eze further contended that the national leadership of the APC had effectively validated Umahi’s stance by adopting direct primaries for the nomination of candidates nationwide, thereby ruling out consensus candidacy.
“In a formal communication to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and party members, the APC made it clear that there will be no room for consensus candidates. This underscores a commitment to internal democracy and vindicates the position earlier canvassed by Senator Umahi,” he stated.
The APC in Ebonyi had expressed concern that Umahi’s comments could undermine party discipline, particularly suggestions that aspirants should engage politically without the knowledge or endorsement of the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, whom it described as the recognised leader of the party in the state.
But Eze dismissed the concerns, saying Umahi had, in fact, reaffirmed his loyalty to both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru, while urging inclusive dialogue to sustain party unity.
Quoting the minister, Eze noted that “consensus should be pursued where possible, but where it fails, direct primaries must take place,” adding that such a position strengthens rather than weakens party structures.
He called on Governor Nwifuru to rein in party officials in the state and ensure that public communications do not degenerate into personal attacks on senior figures.
Eze warned that continued disparagement of Umahi, whom he described as a “foresighted leader” and major contributor to the development of Ebonyi State and the APC’s electoral success, could provoke avoidable tensions within the party.
“Senator Umahi does not deserve insults from the same political family he helped to build. Respect for leadership and contributions must remain a guiding principle,” he added.
.
