David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has declared that he has the right to determine his replacement as the senator representing Ebonyi South district under the All Progressives Congress (APC). This declaration comes after Mr. Umahi left the Senate following his appointment as the Minister of Works by President Bola Tinubu.
The Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja recently ruled that Mr. Umahi was the validly elected senator for the district, dismissing petitions from the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates.
During a visit to Governor Francis Nwifuru as part of his state tour to inspect federal roads, Mr. Umahi emphasized his position within the APC, asserting that he is a prominent stakeholder, with only the governor ranking above him in the party in Ebonyi.
He stated, “We would ensure that the party zones the ticket to Ohaozara (his Local Government Area) and it will not leave there. We would discuss the issue with the governor and, through him, run through the court process pending where the opposition takes us to.”
The minister expressed gratitude to the governor for supporting his efforts to have Onyekachi Nwebonyi replace him as the Senate Deputy Majority Leader.
Mr. Umahi mentioned that his decision to switch from the PDP to the APC had been fruitful, projecting the state into mainstream politics. He urged other Igbo stakeholders, including Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, to support Bola Tinubu, whom he believes is ordained by God to lead the country.
He concluded by highlighting the significance of unity within the APC and encouraging support for the governor in strengthening the party in the state and the South East zone.
