The minister of works, David Umahi, has rejected allegations that he made advances towards a woman years ago and failed to reimburse her for campaign-related expenses.
Background
Businesswoman Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri was arraigned on a defamation charge after publicly accusing Umahi of sexual harassment and non-payment following a business dealing.
A magistrate court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, granted her bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties. She pleaded not guilty, and the matter was adjourned for further hearing.
The allegations fuelled viral videos and public confrontations, including footage of former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore confronting Umahi. There were also reports that police sought to re-arrest Ohiri after her release on bail.
‘I’m not worried’
In a video response, Umahi said his record in public office should defend him.
“I want to thank a lot of you who know me very well. As party chairman, I owed nobody,” he said.
“Of course, I presided over both men and women, and nobody ever said I harassed them.
“Deputy governor, the same, governor for eight years, and I did fantastic in infrastructure, so nobody could come and say… unless the person is being mischievous.”
He added that he is unconcerned about online commentary.
“So, what you read in social media, I’m not worried about it. It makes me stronger, and I have fought many battles, so this is nothing,” he said.
Referencing Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan while responding to insinuations that he made advances at Ohiri, Umahi remarked:
“There’s nothing wrong to say, oh, you are chasing a woman,” he said.
“But if it is Natasha that is accusing me of chasing her, then my face will be bolder.
“But not any how person that will accuse this handsome man of chasing him for 12 years. That person must be the Queen of England.
“Because even one man cannot chase Senator Natasha for 12 years. So, it’s just to make social media to be alive.
“But I think we can turn our attention to the war in Iran now, and then allow Dave Umahi to rest.”
In February 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged during an interview on Arise TV that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made sexual advances towards her at his office and residence in Akwa Ibom.
She claimed her challenges in the senate began after she rejected those advances. Akpabio has consistently denied the allegations.
Before the claims surfaced, Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan had engaged in a heated exchange on the floor of the senate over a change in seating arrangements.