The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) has dismissed allegations circulating against the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, describing them as inconsistent, unsupported, and capable of undermining national stability.
Addressing journalists on Friday in Abuja, the coalition urged Nigerians to rely on evidence and legal processes rather than emotional reactions fueled by social media.
The coalition’s spokesperson, Olawale Oladimeji, explained that the controversy followed a confrontation between the Minister and activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command on February 25, 2026.
According to COCSON, viral claims allege that Umahi owes ₦24.5 million for campaign materials linked to the 2015 governorship election in Ebonyi State, while other online narratives refer to ₦250 million, creating what the group described as “serious contradictions.”
After an internal review, the coalition questioned the commercial logic behind the claims, noting that large political transactions are usually documented.
“Where is the written contract? Where are the delivery notes? Where is acknowledgement of receipt?” Oladimeji asked. He added that “transactions of that magnitude do not rest on verbal understanding alone,” stressing that the absence of records weakens the credibility of the allegations.
COCSON also raised concerns about the timing of the accusations, coming nearly a decade after the alleged transaction. “Nigeria’s judicial system provides avenues for civil debt recovery,” the spokesperson said, insisting that genuine claims should be pursued through courts, not online campaigns.
The group further warned that “social media is not a court of law,” adding, “emotional appeal becomes evidence. Public sympathy becomes strategy. This is dangerous.”
Defending the Minister’s public record, the coalition said Umahi’s tenure, from his time as governor to his current role overseeing federal road networks, reflects “infrastructure-driven leadership.”
It argued that a public official supervising multi-billion-naira projects is unlikely to be involved in undocumented disputes from years past. “Public officials must remain subject to scrutiny,” Oladimeji said, “but reputations cannot be casually shredded without credible evidence.”
Rejecting what it called “sensationalism disguised as activism,” COCSON urged all parties to allow investigators to conclude their work without political pressure.
“If there is evidence, let it be presented in court. If there is documentation, let it be tested legally,” the coalition stated, emphasizing that private disputes should be resolved through lawful channels.
In its conclusion, the group announced plans to hold a solidarity rally on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in support of the Minister, to counter a planned protest against him. It appealed to Nigerians to resist what it termed emotional manipulation and to uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.
“No citizen is above the law. Equally, no citizen should be publicly condemned without proof,” COCSON declared, reaffirming its call for evidence-based accountability and responsible civic engagement.