Umahi's 2027 Declaration: PDP's Fate Sealed In Ebonyi

Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, publicly stated his responsibility for the political demise of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State during his tenure as governor, affirming his commitment to ensuring the party does not regain influence in the state. Umahi unequivocally denied any involvement in the aspiration of Ifeanyi Odii, the PDP governorship candidate, emphasizing that he maintains no relationships that would jeopardize Governor Francis Nwifuru's re-election prospects. These significant declarations were made during an inspection of the Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Abuja trans-sahara Highway.

A notable indication of the strong bond and appreciation between Umahi and Governor Nwifuru emerged with the governor's decision to nominate Umahi's son, Osborn, for a chairmanship position. Senator Umahi expressed that this act signified Governor Nwifuru's positive regard for him and his deep appreciation for their shared history. Following this, Umahi relayed strict instructions to the chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area, which includes his son, not to append signatures on any documents unless they originated from the governor and the state House of Assembly.

In detailing his expectations for Osborn, the Minister stressed the imperative of exhibiting transparency, honesty, and prudent management of funds. He explicitly reiterated his directive: "I’ve told him (Osborn) that anything that is not signed by the governor or the House of Assembly, don’t put your signature there. Because the governor is insisting that local government funds should be used to develop local government. So nobody should come through the back and say, sign." Umahi further highlighted the importance of upholding not just his own name and the governor's, but also the family name, in the performance of these duties.

Osborn, in turn, has committed to foregoing his salary and allowances, a gesture Umahi described as "very, very wonderful." Senator Umahi recounted his initial reluctance to allow his son to leave his position at NNPC for politics, but family pressure, combined with Governor Nwifuru's direct nomination, ultimately led to Osborn accepting the role. Umahi stated, "I never nominated him... Then trouble busted out of the house. You’ve been governor, the son of another mother. You don’t want my son to be local government chairman. Of course, you know they will defeat me together with the governor. So that’s how it came to be." This act by the governor deeply touched Umahi, affirming Nwifuru's appreciation for their past, present, and future.

Umahi conveyed his high expectations for Osborn's leadership, particularly in fostering unity among the three communities of Uburu, Okposi, and Ugwulangwu. He advised Osborn against prioritizing projects in Uburu, his hometown, stating, "Don’t do anything for the people of Uburu because you are from Uburu. It has to be equitably distributed among the 11 council wards of the local government. Because when you are a leader and you want to just develop your place, God will resist you." Umahi expressed confidence that, with the governor's guidance, Osborn would make him proud and ensure a robust and clean engagement in local governance.