Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not regain political control of Ebonyi State, attributing the party’s decline in the state to his defection from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2020.
Umahi made the remarks while speaking during an inspection of the Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Abuja, TransSaharan Highway.
He said he had no involvement in the governorship ambition of PDP candidate Ifeanyi Odii and would not support any political arrangement that could undermine the re-election bid of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
“I killed PDP when I left PDP,” Umahi said, adding that he believed the party had failed to adequately recognise the interests of the South-East despite the region’s support for its presidential candidates.
He said his political allegiance remained with the APC, noting that he had confidence in the party.
The former governor also addressed the emergence of his son, Osborn Umahi, as Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area. He said the development reflected what he described as Governor Nwifuru’s appreciation of their political relationship and history.
Umahi, however, said he had advised his son to operate transparently and refrain from signing documents that had not received the necessary authorisation from the governor or the state House of Assembly.
He also urged Osborn to ensure that development projects and resources were distributed equitably across all 11 wards in Ohaozara, rather than concentrating development in his home community.
According to Umahi, his son had promised not to collect salary or allowances from the council position. He added that he had initially preferred for Osborn to continue his employment with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Umahi’s comments come as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Ebonyi State expected to remain an area of political contestation.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
