By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki

ABAKALIKI — Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said lack of funds will not be a challenge in the 2027 election campaigns for President Bola Tinubu, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Umahi made the declaration at the grand finale of the Ohanivo New Yam Festival held at Oshiri Primary School, Oshiri Development Centre, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

At the event, traditional rulers and other stakeholders from Onicha, Ohaozara and Ivo local government areas endorsed Tinubu for another term as President and Nwifuru for a second term as governor.

The endorsement followed a motion moved by a member of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Chief Ifesinachi Odii, and supported by Ogbuefi Enekwachi Akpa.

The community said the two leaders deserved another term based on what it described as their infrastructural projects and other achievements.

The people of Ohanivo also urged Nwifuru not to be distracted by the activities of what they described as “political merchants”, assuring him of their support ahead of the 2027 election.

Addressing the gathering, Umahi said his kinsmen were mobilising support for Tinubu, Nwifuru and other APC candidates.

He said he had more than 5,000 billionaire friends whose financial support, according to him, would be available during the election campaigns.

“We have nothing to worry about. Nothing. If it comes to money, I have over 5,000 billionaires who are my friends. Money will not be a problem.

“This election will be a movement. It will be a movement. The movement of our peace in Ebonyi State. The movement of our peace in Southeast,” Umahi said.

The former Ebonyi governor said the APC would embark on grassroots mobilisation across the state, urging residents to vote for Tinubu, Nwifuru, Senator Anthony Ani and other APC candidates.

“We go from house to house to educate our people. All our votes will be for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all our votes will be for Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and all our votes will be for Senator Anthony Ani and other APC candidates. This is the movement,” he said.

Umahi, however, urged APC supporters not to destroy campaign posters or disrupt the activities of opposition parties.

“You are free to campaign… But don’t cause trouble,” he said.

He added that he would continue to work with Nwifuru to secure what he described as “eight years” for the governor.

“We cannot be deceived. Southeast will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and make it a move,” Umahi said, adding that there was “no vacancy” in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Nwifuru, who also spoke at the event, recalled the political developments that preceded his emergence as governor in 2023, saying the support he received from Ohanivo and other communities had strengthened his confidence to seek a second term.

“Today, this is my first time receiving a blessing personally for my second time in office. I tell you this for free. A lot of clans and tribes have been inviting me to attend their functions, and I deserve to take a blessing from them, and I had a chance.

“Because I waited for that of Ohanivo first. I say, ‘Four plus four,’” Nwifuru said.

The governor also commended Umahi for his role at the federal level, describing his representation of Ebonyi and the Southeast in the Federal Executive Council as effective.

He acknowledged the contributions of Ebonyi indigenes serving in the National Assembly and urged residents to assess lawmakers based on the development they attract to their constituencies.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Enekwachi Akpa, said the New Yam Festival was a celebration of thanksgiving, culture, hard work, unity and prosperity.

He urged youths and indigenes in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots and contribute to the development of the community.

Earlier, President General of the Ohanivo Development Association, Hon. Darlington Okereke, said the festival had contributed to peace and unity in the area.

He said the gathering was also an opportunity for the people to thank God for a bountiful harvest and strengthen their bonds as brothers and sisters, while stressing the need to preserve the culture and traditions of the people.