Umahi Insists No Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi, Backs APC Fully for 2027
Abuja/Benue, Nigeria—September 26, 2026—Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has firmly rejected claims of a “rainbow coalition” operating in Ebonyi, declaring that the state remains solidly aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Umahi made the categorical statement on Friday while inspecting Section Two of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway project in Ado, Benue State.
His comments come amid ongoing friction between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and some APC governors over the multi-party platform Wike is promoting to rally support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Clear Distancing from Cross-Party Arrangements
The “Rainbow Coalition” is a political platform associated with Wike that allows politicians from different parties to back Tinubu at the presidential level while pursuing separate interests in other races.
Some APC stakeholders have expressed discomfort with the arrangement, fearing it could undermine the party’s candidates at state and legislative levels.
When asked about his relationship with Wike and reports of a similar structure emerging in Ebonyi, Umahi was direct: “If Wike has candidates here, he has not told me. And his candidate cannot break our relationship, but his candidate is not part of our relationship. There is no rainbow coalition in Ebonyi State.”
He described Wike as a “good friend and brother” but made it clear that any candidates linked to the FCT minister would not form part of his political dealings in the state. Ebonyi, he insisted, stands with the APC and all its candidates.
Warning Against Hate Speech and Instability
Umahi also issued a strong caution to political actors planning campaigns in the state. He said anyone is free to canvass for votes, but inflammatory rhetoric or attempts to create unrest would not be tolerated.
“Anybody that wants to campaign, come and campaign. But don’t dish out hate speeches and you want to take those speeches, and you want that we should lay a red carpet for you. We will not do that,” he stated. “Nobody can foment crisis in Ebonyi State.”
Broader Political Context
The remarks come as the Rainbow Coalition continues to generate debate within the ruling party. While Wike has maintained that the platform is independent of the APC and focused solely on Tinubu’s presidential ambition, several APC governors have publicly pushed back against arrangements they believe could dilute the party’s organizational strength.
Umahi, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) years ago, also revisited his criticism of his former party.
He said the PDP failed to adequately recognize the interests of the South-East despite the region’s consistent support, and that hope now rests with the APC.
Infrastructure Focus Amid Political Clarity
During the same inspection, Umahi directed contractors on the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway to accelerate work.
The project is one of several major federal infrastructure interventions the minister has repeatedly highlighted as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the South-East and other regions.
Political observers note that Umahi’s firm stance helps clarify the political temperature in Ebonyi at a time when cross-party realignments are intensifying ahead of 2027.
By drawing a clear line between personal friendship with Wike and institutional loyalty to the APC, the Works Minister has sought to close the door on speculation about a local rainbow arrangement.
As the 2027 race gathers momentum, Umahi’s message is unambiguous: Ebonyi remains APC territory, and attempts to introduce parallel structures will not find official welcome in the state.
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