David Umahi: Nigeria’s Currently Minister of Works

David Nweze Umahi, born on July 25, 1964, is a prominent Nigerian politician currently serving as the Minister of Works in Nigeria. He was appointed to this role by President Bola Tinubu on August 16, 2023. Umahi’s political journey has been notable, having previously served as the Senator for Ebonyi South Senatorial District and as both Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State.

Umahi was born in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, and is highly regarded within his community. He completed his secondary education at Ishiagu High School and Government Secondary School, Afikpo, before obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology in 1987. In 1990, he co-founded Norman Engineering and Construction Nig. Limited, where he served as General Manager until 1993. He also held leadership roles at Brass Engineering & Construction Nig. Ltd., Focus Investment Nig. Ltd., and Osborn La Palm Royal Resort Ltd. until 2011.

His foray into politics began in 2007 when he became the acting chairman of the Ebonyi State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In 2009, he was elected as the state chairman, a role he held until 2011. During this period, he also chaired the governing board of the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba for a year.

In 2011, Umahi became the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, running alongside Governor Martin Elechi. Despite internal conflicts, particularly with Elechi endorsing another candidate, Umahi emerged victorious in the primaries and was elected Governor in 2015, a victory that was challenged but upheld by the Governorship Election Tribunal. He was re-elected in 2019 and went on to win the Ebonyi South Senatorial district elections in 2022 under the APC banner.

On November 11, 2020, Umahi announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), officially joining on November 17. He cited the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) unfair treatment of the Southeast and internal issues within the party as his reasons for leaving. His defection was praised by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. In 2023, Umahi declared his intention to run for president, despite earlier claims that he would retire from politics after his governorship.

Umahi’s political career has been marked by both achievements and controversies. On March 8, 2022, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his removal from office, ruling that his defection to the APC invalidated his governorship. However, the Court of Appeal in Enugu later ruled in his favor, stating that while his defection was immoral, it was not unconstitutional.

His tenure has also been scrutinized for alleged financial misconduct. In 2021, it was reported that over ₦3.6 billion in public funds were transferred to Brass Engineering & Construction Nigeria Limited, a company linked to Umahi. He responded by suing the newspaper, Peoples Gazette, for defamation.