The Obidient Movement has called on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to provide clarification and evidence regarding his recent comments linking former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, with the Indigenous People of Biafra ,IPOB,.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Onyeka Dike, the movement said the claim was inconsistent with previous public statements attributed to IPOB distancing itself from Obi and his 2023 presidential campaign.
The group recalls that IPOB, in statements issued in July and August 2022, said Obi was not a member or supporter of the organisation and cautioned against linking its activities with his presidential ambition.
The statement therefore urges Umahi to clarify the basis of his recent comments and provide verifiable evidence if he believes there is a connection between Obi and the organisation.
It says support for Obi should not automatically be interpreted as membership of IPOB, noting that Nigerians support political candidates for different reasons, including their policies, records and vision for the country.
According to the statement, the group also pointed to Obi’s public comments condemning violence associated with sit-at-home orders and his calls for dialogue and lawful approaches to addressing insecurity in the South-East.
The statement also urges greater transparency concerning some unresolved incidents in Ebonyi State, including the reported disappearance of five NELAN Consulting Engineers in November 2021.
It notes that Umahi, who was governor of Ebonyi State at the time, later stated that the five men had been killed, while their families have continued to seek further clarification on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It also calls for an update on the investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old member of a medical team attached to Umahi, who died at his residence in Ebonyi State on June 27, 2026.
It recalls that the police had announced an investigation and indicated that a post-mortem examination would be necessary to determine the cause of death.
The statement states that both matters should be addressed through appropriate investigative processes, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in cases involving loss of lives.
On the wider security situation in the South-East, it calls for continued efforts by government and security agencies to protect communities, businesses and residents affected by insecurity.
It also refers to a recent incident involving NDC House of Assembly candidate for Ezza South Constituency, Rollins Offia Nwali, during which security personnel reportedly engaged suspected attackers.
The statement, the urges political leaders to focus on issues that affect Nigerians and to support evidence-based discussions during the political season.
It says its supporters would remain focused on promoting democratic participation, accountability and improved security, while calling for all allegations involving public figures to be addressed through facts and appropriate investigative channels.
