Chief Austin Umahi, younger brother of former Governor Dave Umahi, has officially declared his intention to contest the upcoming Ebonyi South Senatorial bye-election, scheduled for February 2024.
The seat fell vacant after Dave Umahi’s ministerial appointment into President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
Speaking at a news conference in Abakaliki on Monday, Austin said he is a frontrunner in the race. “True democratic process is the only way to ensure the emergence of an acceptable senator for the district.
“I will give the people best representation, having gained experiences from both the business and political sectors,” he said.
He cited his extensive experience in both business and politics.
Austin served as the Director-General of the APC’s gubernatorial campaign in the 2023 elections,
He reiterated his belief in divine guidance, stating, “I am a pencil in the hands of God, and he is not done with me.”
Addressing concerns about zoning, Austin asserted that the senatorial seat remains allocated to his Ohaozara Local Government Area as per the APC’s Ebonyi zoning committee decision.
“I am not contesting for personal gains but for the people,” he said, calling for a transparent election process where voters could choose their representative from a diverse pool of candidates.
