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By Oscar Okhifo
Osborne Umahi, son of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has officially joined the race for Ohaozara Local Government chairmanship in the upcoming Ebonyi council elections.
On Friday, Osborne collected the N30 million nomination form at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Abakaliki, surrounded by supporters and well-wishers. He declined to comment when approached by reporters about his political ambitions.
Governor Francis Nwifuru recently endorsed Osborne as the APC candidate for the council poll.
The endorsement has drawn mixed reactions from political observers, with many noting the longstanding political ties between Osborne’s father, former Governor David Umahi, and Nwifuru.
Speaking at the party secretariat, the State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori, expressed confidence in Osborne’s ability to serve the people.
“He is a chip of the old block and will replicate his father’s wonders in Ebonyi, both as former governor and now as a minister. The people are solidly behind him and will further demonstrate such support at the polls,” Ori said.
It is not unusual to see political heavyweights grooming their children or close relatives for public office.
Many of today’s leaders are sons and daughters of former influential figures.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was recently seen, frequently with his son as he toured of Rivers State, prompting speculation that he is being prepared for political leadership.
For now, there is no law preventing children or relatives of public office holders from seeking elective positions.
As Osborne prepares to enter politics, his supporters and the entire people he prepares to lead, hope for a process that is free, fair, and transparent.
Osborne’s father, David Umahi, has maintained a long-standing political alliance with Governor Nwifuru, dating back to 2008 when Umahi was Ebonyi State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and Nwifuru served as an ex-officio member.
Umahi later became governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023 and played a key role in ensuring Nwifuru’s rise to Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
In 2023, David Umahi publicly stated that he would “fight battles” to ensure his “son”’s political advancement climaxes in him (Nwifuru) becoming the governor.”
Osborne’s entry into the Ohaozara chairmanship race now positions him as a significant contender in the forthcoming local government elections in Ebonyi State.