Umahi wasn’t humiliated at Kaduna APC rally, group insists

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. Photo: File

The Ndigbo for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Forum has rejected claims that Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, was humiliated during the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State.

The forum said Umahi’s address was interrupted by a faulty microphone, insisting that the incident should not be interpreted as evidence of political disagreement, embarrassment or an internal crisis within the ruling party.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Secretary-General, Dr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr., NDI-ABAT said members of its northern delegation who attended the event confirmed that the microphone developed technical problems, forcing Umahi to discontinue his address.

“Nobody embarrassed Umahi. A faulty microphone must not become a manufactured political controversy,” the forum said.

NDI-ABAT cautioned against concluding based on video clips circulating on social media, saying such materials could create misleading impressions when viewed without the full context of the incident.

The group specifically rejected claims that Umahi was deliberately humiliated, describing such interpretations as speculative and unsupported by credible evidence.

According to the forum, “A microphone malfunction is a technical incident, not proof of political humiliation. Let facts prevail over speculation.”

It urged APC stakeholders and supporters to maintain mutual respect and remain focused on the party’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

The forum said political discourse should be guided by facts and verifiable information rather than social media narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension among party members and supporters.

NDI-ABAT also congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the Kaduna campaign flag-off, describing the gathering as a significant mobilisation of APC supporters ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

It said the incident involving Umahi should not distract from the broader objectives of the campaign or be used to suggest divisions among APC leaders.

The forum further reiterated its commitment to engaging Ndigbo in national political discussions and encouraging informed participation in the democratic process.

It said preparations were also ongoing for the APC presidential campaign rally scheduled for November 9, 2026, in Ebonyi State, which it described as an important opportunity for further political engagement in the South-East.

NDI-ABAT urged supporters and members of the public to rely on verified information, stressing that “responsible political discourse must be guided by facts, not speculation.”

The forum maintained that attempts to portray a technical microphone failure as evidence of political humiliation were unnecessary distractions from the campaign.