Osborn Nweze Umahi, the 28-year-old son of Minister of Works David Umahi, has emerged as the chairman-elect of Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State following Saturday’s local government election.
Umahi contested the chairmanship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and secured victory after a campaign focused on grassroots development, youth empowerment and improved local administration.
Speaking after his victory, the newly elected council chairman pledged to serve without receiving a salary or official allowances throughout his tenure.
“I will neither accept any salary nor allowance as Ohaozara LGA chairman. I am coming to serve and not to enrich myself,” Umahi said.
He said the funds that would ordinarily be spent on his salary and allowances would instead be directed towards projects and initiatives that could benefit residents of the local government.
Umahi also outlined plans to prioritise infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic opportunities and better public services. His pledge has drawn attention because elected local government officials traditionally receive salaries and allowances as part of their statutory remuneration.
The development is significant as it places a member of a prominent political family in charge of one of Ebonyi State’s local government areas. Umahi is the son of David Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State who currently serves as Minister of Works.
Before the election, the younger Umahi presented himself as a new-generation politician, promising to bring private-sector experience and fresh ideas into local government administration. He also expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of voting when he cast his ballot at his polling unit in Uburu.
However, the Ebonyi election was not without controversy. The state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted the exercise, alleging that the process was designed to favour the ruling APC and calling for the suspension of the poll.
The election comes amid wider debates over the conduct and independence of local government elections in Nigeria. Umahi’s tenure will now be closely watched as residents assess whether his pledge of service without personal remuneration translates into improved governance and development in Ohaozara.
