“No Single Obidient Supporter in Ebonyi” — Umahi Declares at New Yam Festival

The Ohanivo New Yam Celebration in Ebonyi State turned into more than a cultural gathering when Senator David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, seized the podium to make a bold political declaration.

Surrounded by traditional dancers, elders in colorful regalia, and a crowd gathered to honor one of the state’s most cherished festivals, Umahi declared: “There is NO single Obidient supporter in Ebonyi State.”

His words, captured in a viral video, instantly drew attention across Nigeria’s political landscape. The statement, seen as a direct dismissal of the influence of Peter Obi and his loyal “Obidient Movement,” comes at a time when the country is already bracing for the 2027 elections.

Umahi’s assertion is significant because the Obidient Movement, born from Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential bid under the Labour Party, has gained wide recognition nationally, often shaping discourse online and offline.

To claim that Ebonyi State is immune to its reach suggests a deliberate positioning of Ebonyi politics against the tide of what many consider a youth-driven political revolution.

Observers note that festivals like the Ohanivo New Yam, while cultural in nature, have long doubled as political stages in Nigeria. From campaign promises to public declarations, politicians frequently use such gatherings to test the waters ahead of elections.

Umahi’s latest remarks, therefore, not only signal his rejection of the Obidient wave but also reinforce his own standing as a key player in the South-East’s evolving political dynamics.

The timing is crucial. With 2027 fast approaching, coalitions are quietly forming, questions around the eligibility of former presidents linger, and opposition forces are recalibrating to challenge the current leadership. Against this backdrop, every statement by heavyweight politicians carries weight, shaping the narrative of what is to come.

For Ebonyi indigenes, Umahi’s words might serve as both a declaration of dominance and a challenge to those sympathetic to Obi’s movement. For Nigerians at large, it reflects the growing divide between national sentiment and localized political realities.

Watch the video below