The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has threatened to sue the Minister of Works, David Umahi, if he fails to withdraw his reported comments on Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential ambition and political zoning.
The association’s worldwide president, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, said in a statement on Monday that Umahi had 72 hours to retract the remarks and apologize to Obi, Ebonyi indigenes, and the wider Igbo community.
The dispute followed a viral video in which Umahi reportedly argued that it was not yet the South-East’s turn to produce Nigeria’s president or Ebonyi South’s turn to produce the state governor. He also questioned Obi’s appointments of Ebonyi indigenes during his tenure as Anambra governor.
Umahi reportedly said he would engage the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Ebonyi, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, to persuade him to step down in line with the state’s zoning arrangement.
AEISCID faulted the minister’s position, arguing that zoning should not prevent individuals from seeking elective office. It urged Odii to continue his campaign and allow voters to decide the outcome of the 2027 governorship election.
The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to caution members of his cabinet against comments that could heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association said it would pursue legal action if Umahi failed to meet its demands within the stipulated 72 hours.
