“Whose life does Tinubu’s government value?” — Atiku questions government’s inaction over Mary Habila’s tragic death

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government over its handling of the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to ensure transparency and accountability.

In a statement released on Thursday, Atiku expressed condolences to Habila’s family while questioning the government’s response to the incident, which reportedly occurred on June 27, 2026, at the private residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

He said the family deserved answers about the circumstances surrounding her death.

“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:

“First, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died.”

Atiku accuses government of silence

The former Vice President argued that the government’s response to the incident had been inadequate, alleging that key authorities remained silent despite the seriousness of the case.

According to him, a young woman died in the residence of a serving minister, yet no official statement was made for nearly two weeks.

He claimed that the matter only gained public attention after it was reported by Sahara Reporters.

Atiku further alleged that no autopsy had been conducted three weeks after Habila’s death and that no official cause of death had been established.

He also questioned why the investigation remained under the Ebonyi State Police Command, noting that Umahi previously served as governor of the state.

“And through all of this, silence from the Presidency. Silence from the Federal Executive Council. Silence from the Inspector-General of Police. Silence from the National Assembly. Not one word. Not one directive. Not one gesture to assure Nigerians that the life of Mary Habila matters to this government.”

Calls for minister to step aside

Atiku stressed that he was not declaring anyone guilty but insisted that only an independent and transparent investigation could establish the facts.

“Let me be clear: I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent, and transparent investigation can establish the truth.”

He accused the Federal Government of failing to guarantee such an investigation and described the situation as a serious failure of accountability.

The ADC presidential candidate also questioned the government’s commitment to protecting citizens.

“If the death of a young Nigerian woman in a Minister’s residence cannot stir this government to act, then Nigerians must ask: whose life, exactly, does this government value?”

Atiku lists four demands

Atiku called on President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works to step aside pending the conclusion of investigations.

He argued that such a move would not amount to a declaration of guilt but would reflect the standards of accountability expected in a democratic society.

He also urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters, with independent forensic experts participating in the probe.

In addition, he demanded an independent and internationally credible autopsy, with its findings made public without further delay.

Finally, Atiku called for protection for Mary Habila’s family against intimidation or undue influence and urged authorities to guarantee them full access to information relating to their daughter’s death.

Concluding his statement, the former Vice President said the treatment of the case would reflect the country’s commitment to justice and accountability.

“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.”