Osborn Nweze Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has been elected as Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Osborn, who is 28-year-old emerged after Saturday August 22, 2026 Ebonyi local government election.

Shortly after his victory, the chairman-elect pledged to forgo his statutory salary and allowances throughout his tenure.

Resolve to serve without earning salary, allowances

Osborn said the decision was driven by his desire to prioritise development and public service over the financial benefits attached to political office.

He identified infrastructure development, youth empowerment, support for businesses and improved local government services as some of the key areas his administration would focus on.

Who is Osborn Nweze Umahi

Osborn was born on March 14, 1998. He had his early education – primary and secondary school in Nigeria before relocating to London at age 15 to earn higher education.

He got his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Surrey, England, and later obtained a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

He later managed Brass Oil and Construction Limited as Managing Director following his father’s transition into state governance.

Headed business interests spanning energy, construction, and hospitality, including roles with Tyneside Oil & Gas and Osborn Group.

He worked in asset management and corporate finance capacities, including involvement with Forte GCC Innovative Solutions.

His father, David Umahi, served as the governor of Ebonyi state before becoming Minister of Works under the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Election day

Voters on Saturday trooped out to elect chairmen in 13 local government area of the state.

Among the electorate was Ebonyi state governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, who later urged politicians and voters to shun tension and treat elections as a peaceful democratic exercise.

Nwifuru spoke shortly after casting his vote at his polling unit in Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area (LGA).

A governor’s plea

The governor said elections should not be seen as a battle, stressing that citizens only needed to exercise their franchise and choose candidates they considered suitable to lead them.

“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 party man, said he desired victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), but acknowledged the importance of opposition in strengthening governance.

According to him, political opponents could help leaders identify their weaknesses and shortcomings, adding that constructive competition was necessary in a democratic system.

On calls for other political parties to endorse him ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Nwifuru said he preferred the people of Ebonyi state to determine their fate rather than political parties.

“I don’t want political parties to endorse me. What I want is for Ebonyi people to endorse me,” he said.

Lawmakers take part

Also speaking, the member representing Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency in the Federal house of Assembly, Joseph Nwobashi, said voters turned out in large numbers in Oshiegbe ward, describing the election there as free, fair and hitch-free.

Nwobashi said results from the polling units were recorded and transferred to designated collection centres without security challenges, expressing confidence that voter turnout would be higher during the 2027 general elections.

On his part, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi of Ebonyi North Federal Constituency attributed the strong turnout to the achievements of Governor Nwifuru and the policies and projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nwebonyi also commended Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for promoting concrete pavement technology, urging Nigerians to set political sentiments aside and support leaders who deliver tangible development.