Osborne Umahi, son of the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator David Umahi, has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship form for Ohaozara Local Government Area ahead of the forthcoming Ebonyi council elections.
Osborne, who was among aspirants endorsed by Governor Francis Nwifuru as APC candidates for the local government polls across the state’s 13 LGAs, obtained the nomination form at the party’s secretariat in Abakaliki on Friday at the cost of N30 million.
His emergence has continued to generate mixed reactions among political stakeholders and observers within the state. While some have described the development as an extension of political patronage, others see it as a reward for loyalty within the APC fold.
Reacting to the endorsement, Senator Umahi described Governor Nwifuru’s support for his son as “the height of appreciation,” recalling their long-standing political relationship.
Osborne arrived at the APC secretariat accompanied by supporters and well-wishers but declined to speak with journalists after purchasing the form.
Speaking at the venue, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Francis Ori, expressed confidence in Osborne’s capacity to lead Ohaozara LGA.
“He is a chip off the old block and will replicate his father’s wonders in Ebonyi as former governor and now as minister in Nigeria,” Ori said.
“The people are solidly behind him and will demonstrate that support at the polls.”
The political alliance between Senator Umahi and Governor Nwifuru dates back to 2008 when Umahi served as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State and Nwifuru was an ex-officio member. Umahi later became governor in 2015 and, during his tenure, facilitated Nwifuru’s emergence as Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
Ahead of the 2023 governorship election, Umahi had publicly stated on several occasions that he “fought battles” to ensure that Nwifuru succeeded him as governor.
The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission is expected to announce the official timetable for the council polls, as political activities intensify across the state.
