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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Obidient Movement has challenged Minister of Works David Umahi to provide evidence linking Peter Obi to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), accusing him of resorting to political smears instead of addressing questions surrounding unresolved deaths in Ebonyi State.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Onyeka Dike, the group said IPOB had repeatedly disowned Obi’s presidential ambition, making Umahi’s attempt to associate the former Anambra State governor with the separatist organisation unjustifiable.
It cited statements issued by IPOB in July and August 2022, in which the group reportedly distanced itself from Obi’s presidential bid and warned against linking its activities to his campaign.
“If Umahi is suggesting that the millions of Nigerians who support Peter Obi are members of IPOB, he should provide evidence rather than throw reckless allegations into public discourse,” the movement said.
It added that support for Obi did not amount to membership of IPOB, insisting that Nigerians backed candidates for different reasons, including their records, integrity and policy positions.
The movement further argued that Obi’s public condemnation of violence associated with sit-at-home orders and his calls for dialogue and lawful solutions to insecurity in the South-east contradicted attempts to reduce his political identity to an alleged association with IPOB.
However, it accused Umahi of avoiding questions over allegations surrounding the disappearance and reported deaths of five engineers working with NELAN Consulting Engineers in Ebonyi State in November 2021.
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According to the movement, Umahi, who was governor of Ebonyi State at the time, later publicly said the engineers had been killed, while their families continued to demand answers and challenge aspects of the official account.
It also called for transparency in the investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old member of Umahi’s medical team, who died at his residence on 27 June 2026.
The movement recalled that the police had announced an investigation and said a post-mortem examination was necessary to establish the cause of death, questioning the apparent lack of subsequent public updates on the case.
It also alleged that political violence and insecurity continued to threaten communities in the South-east, citing a recent attack on the NDC House of Assembly candidate for Ezza South Constituency, Rollins Offia Nwali, in which it said suspected political thugs were killed by security forces.
“Umahi must understand that criticism of Peter Obi does not erase the questions Nigerians are entitled to ask about his own record,” the statement said.
The movement urged the minister to provide evidence for his allegations against Obi and support transparent investigations into the deaths, insisting that Nigerians deserved accountability rather than political accusations.
It added that it would not be distracted by attempts to demonise Obi’s supporters, saying its focus remained on building a country where public officials were accountable and citizens could exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
