Dave Umahi Responds to Allegations of Sexual Harassment, N200 Million Debt Leveled Against Him by Businesswoman

Nigeria’s Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has refuted accusations by businesswoman Tracynither Ohiri, who alleged that he owes her N200 million for promotional materials supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign and also accused him of sexual harassment.

Speaking during an inspection of the Independence Bridge in Lagos, Umahi dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and lacking in substance. He questioned the credibility of the claims, saying, “The entire election in 2014 for me to be a governor did not cost me up to N100 million; so, how would campaign material be N200 million?” He further challenged Ohiri to present evidence, asking, “Where is the contract paper? Where did you draw the money from? Can you publish your account where you withdrew the money?”

Addressing the sexual harassment allegation, Umahi said such claims should not be taken lightly and cautioned against what he described as false accusations. “I think that woman is sponsored. I saw what she did to three other governors,” he claimed. He also indicated plans to take legal action, stating, “That is why I am going to legally teach whoever is the sponsor some lessons.”

In response, Ohiri has remained vocal, taking to social media and public protests to insist on the validity of her accusations. She has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure she is paid the alleged debt. In an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters, she claimed Umahi withheld the payment after she rejected his sexual advances.

Ohiri alleged that Umahi assured her she would be compensated once he won the governorship election, but their relationship soured when she refused to turn their business dealings into a personal affair. “Any time I asked him for payment, he would say no problem… but what about the thing he has been discussing with me? I said, ‘No, I’m a born again, I don’t do those kinds of things,’” she said.

She recounted that Umahi eventually blocked her and cut off communication after she continued to demand the payment. Ohiri also claimed that the alleged debt has had a devastating financial impact on her, which she has been protesting publicly and addressing through social media for years.