Umahi given 72hrs to apologise to Peter Obi, Ifeanyi Odii, Ebonyians, Ndigbo over comments

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SponsoredADADADUmahi given 72hrs to apologise to Peter Obi, Ifeanyi Odii, Ebonyians, Ndigbo over comments News Express |12th Oct 2026 | 75

The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has condemned comments by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, accusing him of promoting division among the Igbo people through his remarks on the 2027 presidential and Ebonyi governorship elections.

The association urged Umahi to stop what it described as attempts to exploit zoning arrangements for personal and political interests, insisting that Ebonyi voters, rather than political godfathers, would determine who governs the state in 2027.

AEISCID, in a statement on Monday by its Worldwide President, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, expressed concern over Umahi’s criticism of those who support the presidential ambition of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi.

The group was reacting to a viral video in which the minister reportedly accused critics of attacking Ebonyi leaders for declaring their opposition to Obi’s candidacy and urging their supporters not to vote for him.

According to the group, Umahi had said: “Just like it’s not the turn of the South East and Peter Obi to be president of Nigeria, it’s not the turn of Ebonyi South to be governor of Ebonyi State.”

AEISCID has, however, given the Minister of Works 72 hours to apologise, adding, “we give Umahi 72 hours only to recant his divisive statements and apologise to Obi, Odii, Ebonyians and the rest of Ndigbo or face legal consequences.”

The group further said: “His role as a member of FEC should be to preach peace, unity and togetherness of every Nigerian regardless of political differences and not to incite hate and divisive commentaries especially at this fragile campaign and election season.”Umahi had also questioned Obi’s relationship with Ebonyi people, alleging that the former Anambra State governor did not appoint any Ebonyi indigene to his administration while in office.

The minister further argued that zoning should determine political succession, drawing a parallel between the South-East’s quest for the presidency and the agitation for Ebonyi South Senatorial District to produce the state’s next governor.

He was also quoted as saying he would engage the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Anyi Chuks, over the zoning issue and urge him to withdraw from the race.

However, AEISCID described the minister’s remarks as divisive and unbecoming of a public officeholder, arguing that they risk pitching Ebonyi people against their fellow Igbo across the South-East.

The association said Umahi, having served as Ebonyi governor for eight years before joining President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, should promote peace, unity and development rather than make statements capable of deepening political divisions.

It accused the minister of repeatedly attacking Peter Obi and other politicians from Ebonyi and the wider South-East for exercising their constitutional rights to seek elective offices.

AEISCID also questioned the electoral influence Umahi claims to wield, alleging that he failed to deliver his polling unit and ward to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 presidential election.

The group further claimed that Umahi lost his senatorial election in his home community, Uburu, describing the outcome as evidence that voters could reject political leaders whose positions they disagreed with.

On zoning in Ebonyi State, the association accused the minister of inconsistency, arguing that Umahi had pursued his governorship ambition in 2015 despite the reported preference of his predecessor, former Governor Martin Elechi, for Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, who also came from Ebonyi South Senatorial District.The group alleged that Umahi’s current position on zoning was intended to influence the state’s political succession and sustain his control over its affairs through Governor Francis Nwifuru.

It also questioned the political circumstances surrounding the nomination of Umahi’s son, Osborn Umahi, as a council chairman in Ohaozara Local Government Area, alleging that the minister was seeking to extend his family’s political influence.

AEISCID, however, urged the PDP governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, to remain focused on presenting alternative ideas to Ebonyi voters rather than succumb to pressure over the zoning controversy.

The association maintained that the electorate had the constitutional right to determine the state’s next governor and should be allowed to make that decision without intimidation or undue influence from political leaders.

It also accused the Nwifuru administration of failing to deliver significant development projects in nearly four years, arguing that the state needed a change in its approach to governance.

The group called on Ebonyi residents to reject what it described as political godfatherism and support leadership choices based on performance, accountability and the development needs of the state.

AEISCID concluded by giving Umahi 72 hours to withdraw his divisive remarks and apologise to Obi, Odii, Ebonyi people and the wider Igbo community, threatening legal action if he failed to comply.

It also called on the Tinubu administration to caution the minister, insisting that his position in the Federal Executive Council should require him to promote national unity and peaceful political engagement, particularly during the build-up to the 2027 general elections. (Independent)