The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has officially endorsed Prof. Anthony Ani as the chosen candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Ebonyi South Senatorial Bye-Election.
This announcement was accompanied by the backing of the incumbent Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, further solidifying support for Ani within the party.
Umahi’s endorsement was conveyed through a public speech delivered personally, during which he emphatically declared that Ebonyi State is now firmly aligned with the APC.
In a cautionary note, the Minister warned the citizens of the state against opposing the Governor’s decisions, emphasizing Nwifuru’s role as the political leader for everyone in Ebonyi.
Notably, this endorsement signifies Umahi’s decision not to support his younger brother, Austin Umahi, who recently declared his intention to contest the Ebonyi South senatorial district seat. The timing of Austin’s declaration coincides with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) setting February 2024 for the re-run in certain federal and state constituencies to fill vacant seats.
The vacancy in the Ebonyi South Senatorial district arose following David Umahi’s appointment as the Minister of Works by President Bola Tinubu. This decision prompted the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to declare the seats of both David Umahi and Ibrahim Geidam vacant in the upper legislative chamber.
Umahi, representing Ebonyi South, and Geidam, representing Yobe East, were appointed as ministers of works and police affairs, respectively. The unfolding political landscape suggests a keenly contested election in Ebonyi South, with Prof. Anthony Ani emerging as a prominent APC candidate under the endorsement of key party figures.
