Get Guardian on GoogleThe Ndigbo for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) on Wednesday berated the Cubana Chief Priest Mr. Pascal Okechukwu over his comments against the Minister of Works Sen David Umahi demanding the withdrawal of the comments and render apology to the Minister.
The Group was reacting to a comment credited to the Cubana Priest calling the Minster of Works Sen David Umahi the Pharaoh of Ebonyi State.
In a statement in Abakaliki signed by the National Coordinator Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Secretary General Dr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr, the Group warned him to stop any form of attack on the Minister describing Umahi as the new Zik of Africa not Pharaoh of Ebonyi State.
“Cubana Chief Priest should stop any form of attacks against the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi and he should withdraw his offensive remarks and tender an unreserved public apology within seven days” The Group said.
“Senator Umahi is the New Zik of Africa, not the Pharaoh of Ebonyi State. His political contributions, national influence and position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration deserve respect” They added.
“Nobody should attempt to diminish his standing through personal attacks and unnecessary political provocations” They further warned.
He noted that BDI-ABAT is concerned about allegations that powerful political interests, including a serving APC governor, may be encouraging activities intended to create divisions within Ebonyi APC and destabilise the relationship between Umahi and Governor Francis Nwifuru.
According to him, these allegations require credible evidence, but the circumstances surrounding the growing confrontation deserve serious public scrutiny.
“We ask Cubana Chief Priest three straightforward questions: Why are you suddenly attacking Senator Umahi? What is your interest in the political affairs of Ebonyi State? Who benefits from the division you are creating through your public confrontations?”.
“Your disagreements with Governor Nwifuru should not become a justification for attacking Umahi. Ebonyi State does not need political tension. Ndigbo do not need another avoidable internal crisis. The Southeast needs responsible leadership, political cooperation and development”.
“NDI-ABAT considers Umahi one of the most important political bridges between Ndigbo and President Tinubu. His infrastructure responsibilities, national political influence and relationship with the President make him strategically important to the Southeast’s political future”.
“We congratulate Senator Umahi and Governor Francis Nwifuru on the successful hosting of the APC presidential campaign rally in Ebonyi State on Monday, 9 November 2026″.
“Their cooperation is important to the success of the Tinubu 2027 project. We urge both leaders to remain united and refuse to be drawn into unnecessary political battles”.
“Our warning to Cubana Chief Priest is clear, apologize and withdraw within seven days your offensive remarks, respect him as your elder brother and stop creating unnecessary political distractions”
“NDI-ABAT will not ignore credible evidence of any political sponsorship aimed at destabilising Ebonyi APC or sabotaging the relationship between Umahi and Governor Nwifuru”.
“If verifiable evidence identifies any political officeholder behind such activities, we will expose the evidence and demand public accountability”.
“We also urge Senator Umahi to ignore the provocations and concentrate on delivering quality roads and critical infrastructure across Nigeria. His performance as Minister of Works is more important than responding to social media controversies”.
“The 2027 election requires political discipline, strategic leadership and unity of purpose. Ndigbo must protect their interests and reject every attempt to turn personal disagreements into a regional political crisis”.
