By Ikemefuna Ozobi
Engr. Dave Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, a few days ago committed a grave political blunder during his visit to Anambra State for the flag-off of linkage roads to the Second Niger Bridge. Rather than focusing on his official assignment, Umahi made a controversial statement suggesting there was no opposition in Anambra State – an assertion undermining the efforts of the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC). His remarks, which seemingly endorsed Governor Charles Soludo and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), are reckless, irresponsible and smack of political sabotage.
This is not the first time Umahi has made questionable comments that suggest a lack of commitment to his party. As a prominent APC leader in the Southeast and a beneficiary of the party’s goodwill, Umahi should be working to strengthen APC’s foothold in the region, not demoralising the party faithful with careless statements.
The APC in Anambra has undergone a significant transformation over the past three years, evolving into a formidable opposition party ready to challenge APGA’s long-standing dominance. The National Working Committee, under the leadership of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, acknowledges these efforts and has openly pledged to help connect Anambra to the national power grid. Committed party members such as Sir Paul Chukwuma have worked tirelessly to reposition the party, making it the state’s most organised and visible political entity. With functional offices in all 21 local government areas and 326 wards, the APC is not just an opposition force but a government-in-waiting.
The sacrifices made by committed party members, who have stood their ground despite intimidation, should not be ridiculed by an APC-controlled Federal Executive Council member. Many Ndi Anambra are disillusioned with APGA’s 19 years of misgovernance, and APC has become their preferred alternative. Umahi’s remarks, therefore, undermine this progress and send a confusing message to party loyalists and undecided voters.
Umahi’s latest faux pas is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of political indiscretions. His past remarks on South East politics have often reflected personal interests rather than party cohesion. At a time when APC is striving to win over more supporters in Anambra, his statement plays directly into the hands of APGA, giving the impression that the ruling party has no viable opposition. Such utterances seem to confirm suspicions that some APC leaders from outside Anambra are working to suppress the party’s growth in the state for their selfish gains.
The South East APC Young Progressives Forum has rightly demanded that Umahi clarify his comments. He must explicitly state whether he stands with APC’s vision in Anambra or has chosen to align with APGA. If he fails to provide a satisfactory explanation, party members will find it difficult to see him as a genuine APC leader in the region.
Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu must be wary of APGA’s sudden praise for his administration. History has shown that once elections are over, APGA quickly reverts to its old tactics of attacking the APC and its leadership. If Governor Soludo and his party align with Tinubu’s vision, they should formally collapse into APC rather than engage in opportunistic flattery.
Despite Umahi’s misstep, the APC in Anambra remains strong and focused on the upcoming November 8 governorship election. The ongoing process to select a credible candidate will further consolidate the party’s momentum. Umahi’s ill-advised comments cannot derail the determination of party members committed to ensuring that Anambra finally aligns with the APC-led federal government.
APC members in Anambra must ignore distractions and remain steadfast. The ultimate goal remains clear – dislodging APGA and installing an APC-led government to bring actual development to the state. The era of political betrayals and external interference is over. Anambra APC is ready to take its rightful place at the forefront of governance.
Dave Umahi’s remarks were reckless, insensitive, and harmful to APC’s mission in Anambra State. As a high-ranking party leader, he should be fortifying the party’s chances, not demoralising its members. His statement must not go unchallenged. The APC leadership must call him to order and ensure that such political sabotage does not repeat itself. Anambra APC remains on course for victory, and no amount of internal or external distractions will change that.
