Umahi Orders Legal Action Against Tracy Ohiri Over Campaign Debt Allegations

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed his legal team to initiate court proceedings against Tracy Ohiri over repeated allegations she has made against him, including claims of unpaid campaign materials worth N280 million.

In a statement issued on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaz, Umahi said the decision follows continued public commentary by Ohiri despite earlier efforts to resolve the dispute.

Ohiri had previously taken to social media, where she alleged that the minister owed her for campaign materials supplied during his time as party chairman. The posts gained wide attention online. She also accused him of sexual harassment in a video that circulated widely.

Security agencies later arrested and prosecuted her in connection with the allegations. Her lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, subsequently intervened in the matter. Following that intervention, Ohiri deleted her posts and issued a public apology, withdrawing her claims.

However, according to Umahi’s statement, Ohiri later resumed making similar accusations after the temporary resolution.

Umahi maintained that during discussions facilitated by Abubakar, he had indicated willingness to support a verified claim if Ohiri could provide credible documentation, including communications and records from the period in question. He added that some associates had even expressed readiness to raise up to N1 billion for her, contingent on proof, which he said has not been provided.

The minister stated that he has continued to await evidence substantiating the allegations. With the absence of what he described as verifiable proof, he has now instructed his legal representatives to pursue all available legal remedies to establish the facts in court.

Umahi’s media aide emphasized that Abubakar’s involvement was voluntary and aimed at resolving the dispute amicably, adding that no financial transaction took place between the parties during the process.

The statement also noted that the minister had previously chosen not to respond publicly to the allegations, but recent developments made it necessary to address the matter.

Umahi reaffirmed that he would remain focused on his responsibilities at the Ministry of Works, stating that his priority is the delivery of infrastructure projects and ongoing government programs rather than public disputes.