Ebonyi Group Demands Apology from Umahi Over Election Remarks

The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has called for an apology from Minister of Works Dave Umahi over remarks he made concerning the 2027 elections. In a statement released on October 12, 2026, and signed by worldwide president Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, the group accused Umahi of creating division between Ebonyi people and other Igbo communities.

The comments in question were made in a viral video where Umahi defended his opposition to former governor Peter Obi's presidential ambitions and questioned Obi's relationship with Ebonyi, alleging that Obi did not appoint any Ebonyi indigene during his tenure as Anambra governor. Umahi also stated that political offices should adhere to zoning arrangements, asserting that it was not yet the South-East's turn to produce Nigeria's president.

AEISCID described Umahi's comments as unbecoming of a federal minister and gave him 72 hours to retract his statements, warning of potential legal action if he failed to comply. The group urged the Tinubu administration to ensure that its ministers promote national unity.