Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has lambasted the Federal Government for how it handled the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila, claiming that President Bola Tinubu’s administration failed to maintain accountability and openness.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Atiku offered his sympathies to Habila’s family and questioned the government’s handling of the incident, which is said to have happened on June 27, 2026, at the private home of Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
He claimed that the family should have been informed about the events leading up to her passing.
“I have followed with deep sorrow and mounting concern the reports surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila, a 26-year-old Nigerian from Nok, Southern Kaduna, who died on June 27, 2026, within the private residence of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.”
Atiku added:
Atiku urged President Tinubu to order the Minister of Works to resign until the investigations are finished.
He maintained that such an action would reflect the standards of accountability anticipated in a democratic society rather than amounting to a confession of guilt.
Additionally, he asked the Inspector-General of Police to move the inquiry from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters, where it would involve independent forensic experts.
He also insisted on an impartial, globally recognised autopsy, the results of which should be made public right away.
Lastly, Atiku encouraged authorities to ensure that Mary Habila’s family has complete access to information on their daughter’s death and to safeguard them from intimidation or undue influence.
The former vice president concluded by saying that how the matter is handled would demonstrate the nation’s dedication to accountability and justice.
“Mary Habila was somebody’s daughter, somebody’s sister, a young professional with her life ahead of her. She was a Nigerian. Her death must not be reduced to a footnote of political convenience.”
“Nigeria will work again, but only when the life of every Nigerian counts, and when no one, however highly placed, stands beyond the reach of accountability.”