Umahi Declares APC Sole Political Force in Ebonyi as Tinubu Secures Massive Support in Presidential Direct Primary

Minister of Works predicts over 95 percent votes for Tinubu in Southeast ahead of general election

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By Onyeka Ntibundu / May 23, 2026

UMUNAGA, EBONYI STATE –Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, has declared that the All Progressives Congress remains the only dominant political force in Ebonyi State as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured overwhelming endorsement during the party’s Presidential Direct Primary election held at Umunaga Primary School, Ward III.

The high-profile exercise, conducted in Umahi’s political ward, witnessed a significant turnout of party faithfuls and political stakeholders, further underscoring the ruling party’s growing consolidation in the Southeast geopolitical zone ahead of the next general election.

Massive Turnout at Umahi’s Ward

According to figures announced at the polling venue, no fewer than 5,009 registered APC members participated in the direct primary process, voting to return President Tinubu as the party’s presidential candidate for a second term.

The event drew prominent political figures and stakeholders, including Chief Mrs. Rachael Ogonna Umahi, Prof. Grace Umezurike, Engr. Osbourne Umahi, alongside several APC loyalists from across the ward and surrounding communities.

Observers at the venue described the exercise as orderly and heavily attended, with residents reportedly suspending commercial and social activities to participate in the process.

Umahi Praises Loyalty of Ebonyi APC Members

Addressing party supporters shortly after the exercise, Umahi expressed satisfaction over what he described as an unprecedented demonstration of loyalty and solidarity with President Tinubu’s administration.

The former Ebonyi State governor commended residents for allegedly shutting down markets, businesses, church activities, and even burial ceremonies in honour of the President and the APC primary exercise.

According to him, the turnout reflected the deep-rooted acceptance of the ruling party within the state.

“There is no other political party in Ebonyi State except APC,” Umahi reportedly declared while addressing supporters.

The minister further argued that President Tinubu’s policies and infrastructure interventions had significantly improved the perception of the Federal Government within the Southeast region.

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Southeast Political Dynamics and Tinubu’s Re-election Push

Umahi maintained that President Tinubu currently enjoys broad-based support across the Southeast, insisting that there was “no genuine contestant” against the President within the region.

His remarks appear aimed at reinforcing APC’s ongoing efforts to expand its political influence in a zone historically dominated by opposition parties.

Political analysts, however, note that while the APC has made visible inroads in parts of the Southeast through strategic appointments and infrastructure projects, the region remains politically competitive, with opposition parties still maintaining substantial grassroots structures.

Nonetheless, Umahi projected confidence that the Southeast would deliver overwhelming electoral support for Tinubu during the general election.

“We are going to deliver over 95 percent of our votes to him,” he stated.

APC Intensifies Consolidation Ahead of General Election

The Presidential Direct Primary forms part of APC’s broader internal democratic process ahead of nationwide campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months.

The ruling party has continued to leverage endorsements from influential political figures, governors, ministers, and lawmakers to strengthen President Tinubu’s re-election momentum across strategic regions.

In Ebonyi State, Umahi remains one of the APC’s most influential political figures, with his political machinery playing a central role in shaping the party’s grassroots mobilisation strategy.

The APC presidential direct primary in Umunaga Ward III has further highlighted the ruling party’s determination to consolidate support in the Southeast as preparations for the general election gather pace.

While Umahi’s projection of a near-total electoral sweep for Tinubu may face scrutiny from opposition blocs and independent observers, the turnout and political messaging from the event signal an aggressive push by the APC to redefine the Southeast political landscape ahead of the polls.