According to a report by Punch on April 26, 2026, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stepped into a growing political disagreement within Ebonyi Central Senatorial District in Ebonyi State, calling on stakeholders to embrace dialogue and unity as political activities gradually build toward the next election cycle.
The intervention followed a viral video that captured a tense exchange between Senator Ken Eze, who represents Ebonyi Central in the National Assembly, and Christian Nwali, a political aspirant from Ikwo Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred during a burial ceremony held in the state, where both men were in attendance alongside other political and community figures.
The footage, which surfaced on April 24, 2026, quickly gained attention due to the prominence of the individuals involved and the setting in which the disagreement unfolded.
Observers noted that the confrontation appeared connected to ongoing political positioning ahead of the end of the current senatorial term, with particular focus on succession arrangements within the district.
At the centre of the issue is the longstanding zoning arrangement in Ebonyi Central, an informal political understanding that encourages rotational representation among local government areas.
In this case, attention has been drawn to Ikwo Local Government Area, where some stakeholders believe it may be the turn of the area to produce the next senator.
The disagreement captured in the video is believed to reflect differing interpretations of that arrangement and broader competition over political advantage ahead of the next elections.
In response to the situation, Umahi convened a reconciliation meeting on April 26, bringing together the parties involved in an effort to defuse tensions and prevent further escalation.
The meeting, described as urgent in nature, was aimed at restoring calm and encouraging cooperation among political actors within the senatorial district.
According to statements released through his media team, the minister expressed concern that the disagreement was avoidable and stressed the importance of handling political differences through structured engagement rather than public confrontations.
He urged all parties to approach the matter with restraint, discipline, and openness to dialogue.
During the meeting, Umahi encouraged both sides to prioritise consultation and consensus-building, noting that political ambitions should be pursued within the framework of collective decision-making and mutual respect.
He emphasised that unity among stakeholders remains essential, particularly as political activities begin to intensify ahead of future elections.
As part of efforts to resolve the dispute, the minister also advised the parties to engage Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, alongside selected leaders from Ezza and Ikwo communities, to help facilitate a broader mediation process.
He explained that involving a wider group of respected figures would ensure inclusiveness and help produce a more durable resolution to the disagreement.
Beyond addressing the immediate issue, Umahi used the opportunity to underscore the importance of maintaining cohesion within the state’s political structure.
He warned that internal divisions, if left unresolved, could undermine broader political objectives as preparations for future elections continue to take shape.
He also highlighted the need for consistency in political direction across both state and national levels, stressing that coordination among stakeholders in Ebonyi State would be critical in shaping electoral outcomes and aligning with wider political strategies.
In a strong political statement, the minister reaffirmed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, indicating that the state’s political structure would remain aligned with his administration ahead of future elections.
He stated, “We give President Tinubu 95 per cent vote. Our vote is not for any clannish candidate. Our vote remains for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….See More
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