Austin Umahi, the younger brother of former Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, has thrown his hat into the ring for the upcoming Ebonyi South District seat re-run slated for February 2024.
The seat became available after the former governor stepped down to assume the role of Minister of Works in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
During a news briefing in Abakaliki, the state capital, Austin Umahi declared his intention to vie for the senatorial seat, positioning himself as a leading contender with a strong sense of qualification for the role, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
“True democratic process is the only way to ensure the emergence of an acceptable senator for the district.
“I will give the people the best representation, having gained experiences from both the business and political sectors,” he affirmed.
Umahi, who served as the director-general of the APC governorship campaign during the 2023 general elections, highlighted the existing political arrangements and structures, emphasizing their alignment with his senatorial bid.
“I am a pencil in the hands of God and he is not done with me.
“We are in a democratic dispensation and I want all my supporters to pray for the success of both the primary and re-run elections.
“I am from Ohaozara Local Government Area and that is where the APC Ebonyi zoning committee zoned the senatorial seat to,” he said.
Clarifying his stance, Umahi stressed, “I am from Ohaozara Local Government Area and that is where the APC Ebonyi zoning committee zoned the senatorial seat to.”
Expressing his altruistic motives, he stated,“I intend to change the narrative and the district should be given an opportunity to elect a representative in a transparent manner.
Umahi further called for a democratic process where other aspirants present themselves for the people’s choice, advocating for a fair selection of the most suitable representative to serve the community.
“Whoever emerges democratically should represent the people as other aspirants should present themselves for the people to choose from.”
