Osborn Umahi Wins Ohaozara Chairmanship at 28, Promises to Forgo Official Pay
Osborn Nweze Umahi, the 28-year-old son of Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi, has emerged as chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State following the local government election held in the state.
Umahi contested the chairmanship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was declared the winner after a campaign focused on grassroots development, economic opportunities and improved local administration.
His emergence has attracted attention partly because of his age and family background, with the new council chairman becoming one of the younger politicians to assume elected local government leadership in the state.
Umahi promises to reject salary and allowances
Shortly after his victory, Umahi announced that he would not collect his official salary or allowances throughout his tenure.
According to reports, he said the decision was motivated by his desire to prioritise development and public service rather than personal financial benefits attached to political office.
He pledged to direct greater attention towards projects and programmes capable of improving living conditions across Ohaozara.
Among the areas identified as priorities are infrastructure development, youth empowerment, support for economic activities and improved delivery of local government services.
Focus on grassroots governance
Umahi had during his campaign presented himself as a young politician seeking to introduce what he described as a more efficient and performance-oriented approach to grassroots governance.
He is an engineer and businessman and has spoken about applying private-sector principles such as efficiency, accountability and measurable performance to local administration.
His political emergence also comes against the backdrop of renewed discussions about youth participation in Nigerian politics, particularly at the local government level where elected officials are expected to provide basic services and respond directly to community needs.
As he begins his tenure, attention will now turn to how the new chairman translates his campaign promises into tangible projects and whether his pledge to forgo official remuneration will be sustained throughout his time in office.
Umahi is the son of David Umahi, who served as Ebonyi State governor from 2015 to 2023 before becoming Minister of Works.