Austin Umahi, the younger brother of David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has formally declared his interest to contest the forthcoming bye-election in Ebonyi South Senatorial District following the resignation of Umahi from the Senate to take up the ministerial appointment.
The Informant27 gathered that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed February 3, 2024, for the by-elections resulting from the resignation or demise of members of the national and state houses of assemblies.
In accordance with constitutional provisions, Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally declared his seat vacant after his appointment to a ministerial position, necessitating a by-election.
Addressing a press conference in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi, on Monday, the younger Umahi, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he would give constituents of Ebonyi South “good representation”.
He said, “I will give the people the best representation, having gained experiences from both the business and political sectors.
“I am a pencil in the hands of God, and he is not done with me.
“We are in a democratic dispensation and I want all my supporters to pray for the success of both the primary and re-run elections.
“I am from Ohaozara Local Government Area and that is where APC Ebonyi zoning committee zoned the senatorial seat. I am not contesting for personal gains but for the people as it is the time to make a positive mark.
“I intend to change the narrative, and the district should be given an opportunity to elect a representative in a transparent manner.