Nigerian actress Hilda Dokubo has publicly challenged the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, demanding accountability for his contributions to the populace rather than simply appealing for votes. This critique arose as she observed him delivering a speech during an APC campaign event for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid in Ebonyi State.
Actress Demands Focus on Achievements
On 14th November 2026, Dokubo posted a video on her Instagram page, showing her watching Minister Umahi on television. Visibly agitated, the Nollywood actress directly addressed the minister, questioning the continuous emphasis on electoral appeals over tangible accomplishments for the average Nigerian citizen.
"When will these people start campaigning based on their achievements? Dave Umahi, wetin you do for your people? It's not every time you people keep talking about votes, votes, Umahi no no say na only one vote him get," she asserted.
By 14th November, Hilda Dokubo's video had widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter), triggering a wave of responses from Nigerians. Many users countered her challenge by highlighting what they described as a substantial record of infrastructure development under Minister Umahi's leadership.
Public Defends Umahi's Infrastructure Record
Legit.ng compiled a selection of these social media reactions:
- @Savageolanrewa2 countered Dokubo, stating: "Let's stop being malicious in our criticism, asking what Engnr Dave Umahi has done in the East is being malicious but Below are identifiable infrastructure projects with specific locations: The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in the Southeast, The Enugu-Port Hacourt Expressway, The Oba-Nnewi-Okigwe Junction Road, The Ninth mile-Makurdi Road corridor, Akpoha Bridge Dualisation, 65km Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe Road. I can go on and on."
- @bigmorsh added: "There are people still questioning projects executed under Engr. Dave Umahi, CON, the Minister of Works? We can play politics but we must never reduce it to falsehood and throw a performing Minister if not the best in this administration under the bus because of tribal sentiments."
- @Adejarekehinde1 affirmed: "B4 dismissing D Minister's achievements, consider D Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu–Abakaliki dualisation, Afikpo–Uturu–Okigwe Road, Eke-Obinagu Flyover, 2nd Niger Bridge access roads nd Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. Criticism is welcome, bt fairness demands acknowledgment."
- @BanjiComr listed several national projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, and the Calabar–Ebonyi–Abuja Superhighway, as evidence of Umahi's work.
- @BelloAd02950152 was more direct: "With the road infrastructure umahi has commissioned, you still asking where is there achievements."
- @T_o_adigun similarly referenced major national highway projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Benin-Asaba Expressway and the Abuja-Lokoja Road, as part of the minister's portfolio.
Past Controversies: Cubana Chief Priest's Critique
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that socialite Cubana Chief Priest had criticised Minister of Works David Umahi, labelling him one of the worst ministers from the South-East and urging President Bola Tinubu to dismiss underperforming ministers. Umahi subsequently appeared to retaliate during a political gathering, taking a swipe at those who ostentatiously display their wealth, employing his popular "money na water" slogan. Responding on Instagram on 8th November, Cubana Chief Priest referred to Umahi as a "Pharaoh," challenged him to present his development projects in the South-East, and accused him of making electoral promises while allegedly positioning his son for a political role.