Osbourn Nweze Umahi, son of Nigeria’s Minister of Works David Umahi, has been elected chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area in Ebonyi State following local government Elections held across the state’s 13 council areas.
The All Progressives Congress secured a clean sweep, winning all 13 chairmanship positions and all 171 councillorship seats in polls the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission described as peaceful, free and fair. EBSIEC Chairman Patrick Enyi announced the results in Abakaliki on Sunday, noting that other political parties participated in the exercise.
Joining Umahi in the new cohort of council leaders are Peace Agwu in Ishielu, Paul Ituma in Ohaukwu, Friday Nwuhuo in Ezza North, Chinedu Mkpuma in Ezza South, Chidi Nwode in Ikwo, Timothy Nwachi in Afikpo, Ikechukwu Ogbofia in Onicha, Michael Kalu Anyim in Ivo, Simeon Onuoha in Edda, Helen Aduga in Izzi, Chidiebere Alo in Abakaliki and Chibueze Odigwe in Ebonyi.
Speaking after his victory, Osbourn Umahi commended the electoral umpire for what he described as a transparent and peaceful process. The chairman-elect pledged to prioritize rural development, youth empowerment and agricultural transformation in Ohaozara. He also announced his intention to forfeit his official salary and redirect the funds toward development projects within the council area.
The outcome consolidates APC’s control of local administration in Ebonyi State, where the party also holds the governorship and legislative majorities. Analysts say the sweep positions the party to implement its grassroots agenda without opposition obstruction at the council level, though critics have questioned the competitiveness of contests that produced zero opposition victories.
EBSIEC has not yet released detailed voter turnout figures or breakdowns of vote tallies by ward. The commission said certified copies of results would be made available to all participating parties in accordance with electoral guidelines.
