Minister of Works David Umahi has said he will work to prevent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from regaining political control of Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Umahi, who previously served as governor of the state, said he was responsible for ending the PDP’s longstanding dominance in Ebonyi and would not support efforts to revive the party’s influence.

The minister spoke while inspecting the Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Abuja Trans-Sahara Highway.

He also distanced himself from the governorship ambition of the PDP candidate, Ifeanyi Odii, saying he had no association with anyone whose activities could undermine the re-election bid of Governor Francis Nwifuru.

Umahi also spoke about the emergence of his son, Osborn, as chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area, describing the governor’s role in the appointment as evidence that Nwifuru valued their relationship and past political ties.

He said he had advised his son to only act on documents authorised by the governor or the state House of Assembly and to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of local government resources.

According to the minister, Osborn had also committed to not collecting a salary or allowances from the position.

Umahi said he expected his son to distribute development initiatives fairly across the 11 council wards rather than concentrate resources in Uburu, where he comes from.

He said Osborn had begun his tenure by engaging stakeholders and working to strengthen cooperation among Uburu, Okposi and Ugwulangwu communities.

The minister further clarified that he did not nominate his son for the chairmanship position, explaining that the decision was made by Governor Nwifuru.

Umahi said the governor’s decision was personally significant to him because, in his view, it demonstrated Nwifuru’s appreciation of their relationship and his family’s past contributions.