Osborn Nweze Umahi, the 28-year-old son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has emerged as the Chairman-elect of Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Umahi was elected during the Ebonyi State local government elections held on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Following his victory, the chairman-elect announced that he would forgo his statutory salary and allowances throughout his tenure, saying the decision was aimed at placing public service and grassroots development above personal financial benefits.
Umahi said his administration would prioritise infrastructure development, youth empowerment, support for local businesses and improvement of basic services across the council area.
Born on March 14, 1998, Osborn had his primary and secondary education in Nigeria before moving to London at the age of 15 to pursue higher education.
He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Surrey, England, and later earned a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
He subsequently became Managing Director of Brass Oil and Construction Limited, following his father’s transition into state governance.
Umahi has also been involved in business interests spanning the energy, construction and hospitality sectors, including roles with Tyneside Oil & Gas and Osborn Group.
His professional experience further covers asset management and corporate finance, including involvement with Forte GCC Innovative Solutions.
His father, David Umahi, is a former Governor of Ebonyi State and currently serves as Minister of Works under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The election saw voters turn out across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State to elect their council chairmen.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, who participated in the exercise at his polling unit in Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area, urged politicians and voters to approach elections as a peaceful democratic exercise rather than a contest that should generate tension.
The governor said citizens only needed to exercise their constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice.
“It is not a war; it is an election. That is why I believe we don’t need to stress ourselves over voting for a candidate of our choice to be our leader,” he said.
Nwifuru, who described himself as a committed member of the APC, said he wanted his party to emerge victorious but acknowledged that opposition parties remained important to a healthy democratic system.
According to him, political opponents could help governments identify their weaknesses and shortcomings, making constructive competition essential to good governance.
On calls by some political parties to endorse him ahead of the 2027 governorship election, the governor said he would rather have the people of Ebonyi determine his political future.
“I don’t want political parties to endorse me. What I want is for Ebonyi people to endorse me,” he said.
The member representing Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Joseph Nwobashi, also commended voters for their participation in the exercise.
Nwobashi said there was a large turnout in Oshiegbe Ward, describing the election as free, fair and peaceful.
He said results from polling units were recorded and transferred to designated collation centres without security incidents.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that voter participation would increase during the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, attributed the turnout to the performance of Governor Nwifuru and the policies and projects of the Tinubu administration.
Nwebonyi also commended Works Minister David Umahi for championing concrete pavement technology, urging Nigerians to look beyond political affiliations and support leaders whose policies translate into tangible development.
