Umahi Allegations under Scrutiny as Allies Demand Evidence, Denials Continue

Controversy surrounds Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, as public allegations involving a civil dispute continue to reverberate across political and civic circles. Umahi has repeatedly dismissed the claims circulating on social media, describing them as unfounded, politically motivated distractions that will not deter him from his official duties. The minister has reiterated his commitment to infrastructure work across the South-East and national projects, calling for attention to issues of national importance rather than personal controversies.

The latest episode centres on claims by activist Omoyele Sowore and businesswoman Tracy Nicholas Ohiri that Umahi owed payment for campaign materials from the 2015 Ebonyi governorship election. Civil society groups, including the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), have described the allegations as inconsistent and lacking credible documentation, urging that any dispute be resolved through legal channels. They argue viral videos and social media commentary should not substitute for due process in a democracy.

COCSON’s spokesperson, Olawale Oladimeji, stressed that proper legal accord must be followed and emphasised that governance must not be derailed by “viral theatrics.” The group highlighted logical gaps in the allegations and questioned the timing and lack of formal legal action over the decade-old claim. They maintained that if the claim were legitimate, it should have been pursued through courts long before becoming a trending online topic.

Umahi himself has denied owing or harassing any woman, citing his extensive public service record dating back to his roles as Ebonyi State Party Chairman, Deputy Governor, Governor, and now Federal Minister. He said that such assertions are routine features of political rhetoric but should not overshadow governance priorities. His office has indicated that any legitimate inquiry will be reviewed within the appropriate institutional frameworks.

Supporters from women’s advocacy groups and civil society have echoed calls for evidence-based accountability. Organisations such as Women Advocates for Responsible Governance have insisted that allegations must be presented in court rather than left to social media speculation, further amplifying demands for formal proof and due process in Nigeria’s political discourse..