I Owe Nobody — Dave Umahi Dismisses 12-Year Debt and Harassment Allegations

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has broken his silence regarding a viral social media controversy involving a woman, Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, who accused him of a decade-old debt and unwanted advances. 

Speaking on Saturday, February 28, 2026, during an inspection of federal road projects in the South-East, the former Ebonyi State Governor declared his innocence with absolute confidence. "I want to thank a lot of you who know me very well. Party chairman, I owed nobody," Umahi stated, dismissing the claims as a "mischievous" attempt to distract him from his national duties.

​The controversy involves a woman identified as Tracy Ohiri, who has publicly accused the Minister of owing her N250 million for campaign materials supplied as far back as 2014. In a viral video that captured the attention of activists like Omoyele Sowore, she further alleged that the Minister made personal advances toward her. Responding with a mix of defiance and humor, Umahi quipped, "There’s nothing wrong with saying, 'Oh, you are chasing a woman.' But not just any person that will accuse this handsome man of chasing her for twelve years. That person must be the Queen of England!"

​A Record of Public Accountability

​In the same vein, the Minister defended his decades-long career in public service, highlighting his time as a Deputy Governor and an eight-year tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State. He maintained that during his time in office, he presided over thousands of men and women without a single credible report of harassment or unpaid personal debts. According to Umahi, his administration’s "fantastic infrastructure" speaks for itself, and he believes the current allegations are politically motivated fabrications typical of the pre-election season.

​"What you read in the social media, I’m not worried about it. It makes me stronger, and I’ve fought many battles. So this is nothing," he told his supporters. The Minister’s media office has since clarified that the police involvement in the matter was not an act of intimidation but a response to a formal petition filed by his legal team regarding alleged cyberbullying and defamation.

Despite the viral drama, Senator Umahi emphasized that he remains unperturbed and focused on the "Renewed Hope" infrastructure agenda of President Bola Tinubu. He suggested that the public should redirect their attention from social media gossip to more pressing global issues, such as the brewing international tensions.

​"I think we can turn our attention to the war in Iran now and allow David Umahi to focus on his job," he stated. The Minister concluded by affirming that since the matter is already before a court of competent jurisdiction, he will not be drawn into further "social media theatrics" and will let the legal process determine the facts.

​Read also: "I will not be silenced!" — Tracynither Nicolas Ohiri regains freedom, raises alarm over "human rights abuse" after N250M debt drama with Minister Umahi!