Senator David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has commended Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for supporting his son, Osborne Umahi, who won the APC chairmanship ticket for Ohaozara Local Government Area.
Speaking on Monday in Uburu, his hometown, Umahi described the governor’s backing as an uncommon display of integrity and loyalty, following Osborne’s victory in the party’s local government primaries.
The former Ebonyi governor said he never lobbied Nwifuru for his son’s emergence, noting that the decision reflected the governor’s confidence and goodwill towards his family.
“Many governors would be reluctant to support the son of a former governor due to political fears, but he has shown rare courage,” Umahi stated.
He reiterated his family’s unwavering support for Nwifuru’s re-election bid and said his decision to support him as successor in 2023 had been fully justified.
Umahi also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for his backing of the Ministry of Works and thanked the people of Ohaozara for rallying behind his son.
Confirming the primary election outcome, APC Deputy State Chairman Alphonsus Nwali said Osborne Umahi was unopposed and polled all 54 delegate votes.
In his remarks, the chairmanship candidate promised to focus on road construction to connect rural communities, farmlands and markets, ensuring easier movement of agricultural produce.
NAN reports that the political alliance between Umahi and Nwifuru began in 2008 under the Peoples Democratic Party and strengthened during Umahi’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023, culminating in Nwifuru’s election as governor in 2023.
