Tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State are escalating as Governor Francis Nwifuru moves to assert full control over his administration and party structure, setting the stage for a political showdown with his predecessor, David Umahi, the current Minister of Works.
Despite Umahi’s public endorsement of Nwifuru for a second term, sources indicate an underlying power struggle between the two political heavyweights. The battle for supremacy centers around the leadership of the state APC, with the governor reportedly seeking a cabinet reshuffle to replace Umahi’s loyalists with his own allies.
In what appears to be a strategic move to consolidate his grip on the party, Nwifuru’s camp, led by APC Chairman Stanley Okoro-Emegha, has been wooing opposition figures and Umahi’s critics into the party. Recently, Ifeanyi Nworie, the former acting chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the APC with hundreds of supporters, citing Nwifuru’s people-oriented policies.
“We have fought a lot, and we can see that Governor Francis Nwifuru and the APC mean well for the state,” Nworie stated during a reception in Ezza South LGA.
Okoro-Emegha, who is at the center of the crisis, reinforced the governor’s stance, saying, “The door of the party is like a church—when you repent, you will be welcomed. The development of a state comes with collective ideas.”
Despite the rift, Umahi has continued to publicly support Nwifuru, even declaring that his re-election in 2027 would be fully funded by friends and associates.
“I had declared what God said I should declare: that your tenure is for eight years,” Umahi said during a New Year visit to Nwifuru. “Because of your goodwill and achievements, your re-election will be funded by friends and associates. You will not put one kobo.”
However, political observers argue that Umahi’s endorsement could be a strategic ploy to maintain influence while appearing supportive.
The power struggle took another twist when Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), accused Nwifuru of neglecting governance in favor of party politics.
“Governor Nwifuru should focus on delivering dividends of democracy instead of entangling himself in party leadership altercations with his predecessor,” Igboayaka said.
Following a deadly attack by suspected herdsmen in Ishielu LGA on February 2, Igboayaka further criticized the governor’s response to security threats, claiming he had warned Nwifuru four days before the incident. His subsequent arrest by security operatives fueled speculation that the governor was behind it, although Nwifuru denied any involvement.
As tensions mount, Nwifuru’s supporters have come out strongly against Umahi’s perceived interference. In a fiery article, Eugene Obaji, a loyalist of the governor, described Umahi as a “creeping godfather” trying to dictate Ebonyi politics.
“The idea of a godfather cannot survive in Ebonyi State,” Obaji wrote. “Is Umahi politically indispensable? Did Ebonyians vote for Umahi as governor in 2023? Or is he just a mere appointee (boy-boy) to President Bola Tinubu after abandoning his Senate seat?”
With both camps digging in, analysts believe the struggle is ultimately about the 2027 election and who controls the APC structure in Ebonyi. As one source put it, “The battle line is drawn, and the face-off is in top gear.”