The Obidient Movement has turned the spotlight on Minister of Works David Umahi, demanding evidence for his alleged link between Peter Obi and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and challenging him to substantiate the claim ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The movement said political allegations should be backed by verifiable facts, accusing Umahi of attempting to discredit Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, rather than engaging with questions about his political record and policy positions.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Onyeka Dike, the group argued that IPOB had publicly distanced itself from Obi’s presidential ambition in 2022.
It cited statements reportedly issued by the separatist organisation in July and August of that year rejecting Obi’s political campaign and criticising his participation in Nigerian politics.
“Support for Peter Obi is not proof of membership in IPOB,” the movement said, insisting that backing a political candidate should not be construed as evidence of affiliation with a separatist organisation.
The group also cited Obi’s public condemnation of violence associated with enforced sit-at-home orders in the South-East, arguing that Umahi should present evidence to support his allegation.
The movement maintained that public officials should be held to a standard of accountability when making claims capable of influencing public perception of political opponents.
In a separate challenge to Umahi, the movement called for renewed investigations into the disappearance of five engineers working with NELAN Consulting Engineers in Ebonyi State in November 2021, when he was governor.
According to the statement, the engineers disappeared following a disagreement with Umahi. The group alleged that the former governor subsequently stated publicly that they had been killed.
It demanded a transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and reported deaths, as well as provide answers to their families.
The movement, however, presented no fresh evidence linking Umahi to the engineers’ disappearance or reported deaths.
It also demanded an update on the investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old member of Umahi’s medical team who died at his residence in Ebonyi State on June 27, 2026.
The group recalled that the police had announced an investigation and indicated that a post-mortem examination was necessary to determine the cause of death.
It urged the authorities to disclose the status of the investigation, expressing concern that the case had faded from public attention.
The statement did not establish any wrongdoing by Umahi in connection with Habila’s death.
The movement also raised concerns about insecurity in the South-East, citing killings, threats and disruptions to businesses and community life.
It referenced an alleged attack in Ebonyi State involving Rollins Offia Nwali, the NDC House of Assembly candidate for Ezza South Constituency.
The statement claimed that security operatives killed some of the alleged attackers but provided no further details to independently establish the circumstances.
The group argued that political exchanges should not overshadow the responsibility of public officials to address insecurity and respond to questions about matters of public concern.
It urged Umahi to substantiate his allegation against Obi and called on the relevant authorities to ensure transparent investigations into the cases involving the five engineers and Habila.
“The Obidient Movement will not be distracted by attempts to demonize its supporters,” the statement said, reaffirming its commitment to accountability, citizens’ rights and security.
