The African Democratic Congress is pushing for a full, independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a nurse who reportedly died at the Ebonyi residence of Works Minister David Umahi.
In a statement on Wednesday, ADC national publicity secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the case can no longer be treated as a private matter because it happened in the home of a serving cabinet minister. The party is asking Umahi to step down while the probe runs, arguing that keeping him in office could damage public trust in the process.
The demand comes after Umahi spoke on Sunday. He said Habila’s family forced her room open after growing worried, and that doctors from the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital tried to revive her but could not. Umahi also said the matter had been reported to police and an autopsy would be done with the parents’ consent.
The ADC said those explanations left key questions unanswered. The party wants to know why Habila was at the minister’s private residence and what led to the incident. It is calling for an inquiry free from executive interference, a comprehensive autopsy, and for the findings to be made public.
“The only acceptable response in a constitutional democracy is a thorough, transparent and independent investigation that commands public confidence,” Abdullahi said. “Anything less will only deepen public suspicion and further erode confidence in our institutions.”
The opposition also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of shielding senior officials when allegations arise, instead of allowing independent scrutiny. According to the ADC, repeated controversies around appointees have created a perception that politics is prioritized over accountability.
The party said failing to carry out an independent investigation would weaken public trust in government institutions. It sent condolences to Habila’s family and said they deserve clear answers about what happened.
