'Tinubu Has Failed Disgracefully' — Atiku Demands Umahi Step Aside Over Woman's Death In Ebonyi Residence

 

By Abel Chigozie 

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately direct the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to step aside pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila.

In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, Atiku expressed deep sorrow over the death of Habila, a native of Nok in Southern Kaduna, who reportedly died on June 27, 2026, at Umahi's private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

The former Vice President extended his condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a painful tragedy, but insisted that sympathy alone was insufficient without justice and accountability.

According to Atiku, the Federal Government has failed Nigerians by remaining silent over the circumstances surrounding the young woman's death. He noted that for nearly two weeks after the incident, neither the Minister, the police nor any government institution made any public statement until the matter was brought to public attention by Sahara Reporters.

He further expressed concern that, three weeks after Habila's death, no autopsy had reportedly been conducted, no official cause of death had been established, and the investigation remained under the Ebonyi State Police Command, despite Umahi's longstanding political influence in the state as a former two-term governor.

"The Tinubu administration has failed, comprehensively and disgracefully, in its responsibility to assure Nigerians that every life matters," Atiku said.

The ADP presidential candidate criticised what he described as the silence of the Presidency, the Federal Executive Council, the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly, arguing that none had demonstrated sufficient commitment to ensuring a transparent investigation into the incident.

He also questioned why the Minister had continued to oversee the narrative surrounding the case through his aides and legal representatives while remaining in office and carrying on with official duties.

Atiku, however, stressed that he was not accusing Umahi of any wrongdoing, maintaining that only a credible, transparent and independent investigation could determine the circumstances surrounding Habila's death.

"I make no pronouncement on anyone's guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent and transparent investigation can establish the truth," he stated.

To restore public confidence, Atiku outlined four demands.

He urged President Tinubu to direct Umahi to step aside immediately pending the conclusion of investigations, insisting that such action would represent a basic standard of public accountability rather than a declaration of guilt.

He also called on the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja and involve independent forensic experts to guarantee impartiality.

In addition, Atiku demanded that a full, independent and internationally credible autopsy be conducted without further delay, with the findings made public.

He further urged the authorities to ensure that Mary Habila's family is protected from any form of intimidation, inducement or undue pressure while granting them unrestricted access to all facts relating to their daughter's death.

Describing the case as a test of Nigeria's commitment to justice and accountability, Atiku said the value of a nation is reflected in how it responds when powerful public officials are linked to matters requiring impartial scrutiny.

He said Habila should not become "a footnote of political convenience," adding that every Nigerian life must count regardless of status or political influence.

The former Vice President concluded by praying for the repose of Mary Habila's soul and expressing hope that her family would ultimately obtain justice.