‘If it is Natasha Akpoti accusing me, I’d be bolder’ — Umahi rejects sexual harassment claim

Dave Umahi, minister of works, has dismissed claims that he made a pass at a lady years ago and is owing her for campaign expenditure. 

BACKGROUND

Tracyniter (Tracy) Nicholas Ohiri, a businesswoman, was arraigned on a defamation charge after she publicly accused Umahi of sexual harassment and non-payment following a business transaction.

A magistrate in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, granted her bail to the tune of N1 million with two sureties. She had pleaded not guilty, and the case was adjourned for further hearing.

The allegation sparked viral videos and confrontations — including footage of ex-presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore publicly confronting Umahi — amid reports that police moved to re-arrest Ohiri after she was granted bail.

‘I’M NOT WORRIED’

Reacting in a video, Umahi said his record in public office should speak for him.

“I want to thank a lot of you who know me very well. As party chairman, I owed nobody,” he said.

“Of course, I presided over both men and women, and nobody ever said I harassed them.

“Deputy governor, the same, governor for eight years, and I did fantastic in infrastructure, so nobody could come and say… unless the person is being mischievous.”

The minister said he is not worried about what is being said online.

“So, what you read in social media, I’m not worried about it. It makes me stronger, and I have fought many battles, so this is nothing,” he said.

Umahi also referenced Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, while responding to insinuations that he made sexual advances at Ohiri.

“There’s nothing wrong to say, oh, you are chasing a woman,” he said.

“But if it is Natasha that is accusing me of chasing her, then my face will be bolder.

“But not any how person that will accuse this handsome man of chasing him for 12 years. That person must be the Queen of England.

“Because even one man cannot chase Senator Natasha for 12 years. So, it’s just to make social media to be alive.

“But I think we can turn our attention to the war in Iran now, and then allow Dave Umahi to rest.”

In February 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan, in an interview on Arise TV, alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made sexual advances at her in his office and residence in Akwa Ibom.

The lawmaker alleged that her trouble in the senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Akpabio. Akpabio has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Prior to the allegations, Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan had engaged in a heated debate on the floor of the upper legislative chamber over a change in seating arrangements. (The Cable)