Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reacted to the recent video released by Tracy Nicolasi clearing the Minister of Works, David Umahi, saying her decision may reflect the pressure faced by vulnerable individuals when confronting powerful public figures.
Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV at Aba, Sowore suggested that Tracy’s change of position may have followed a ₦110 million settlement allegedly reached between her and the minister.
Tracy had earlier appeared in a video dismissing claims that Umahi was putting on wrapper to meet her in a hotel room, rejecting the initial video that had circulated widely online.
But Sowore said the development did not come as a surprise to him because, according to him, situations involving influential individuals often end in private settlements.
“I made it clear from the beginning that the issue involving Tracy was mainly about stopping police abuse,” Sowore said during the interview.
He explained that his involvement in the matter was not because he believed Tracy was stronger than the system but because he saw her as someone who needed support.
“I never supported Tracy because I thought she was strong. I supported her because I believed she was weak,” he said.
Sowore added that people who are vulnerable sometimes make decisions that reflect the intense pressure surrounding their situation.
“This is also part of her weakness,” he said, referring to Tracy’s decision to release a video that appeared favourable to the minister.
The activist claimed he had learned that the dispute between Tracy and Umahi may have been resolved through a civil agreement rather than a criminal case.
According to him, the settlement allegedly involved ₦110 million, which he believes may have influenced Tracy’s latest public statement.
“I learned that the minister approached Tracy and they reached a legal settlement. From what I heard, he paid her ₦110 million to make a video that is favourable to him,” Sowore said.
He clarified that he was not directly involved in the discussions that led to the alleged agreement but had received information from sources close to those familiar with the case.
Sowore also questioned the logic behind paying such a large amount if the accusations against the minister were completely unfounded.
“The question people should ask is simple: if someone is innocent, why spend ₦110 million just to make the issue go away?” he asked.
While acknowledging that civil settlements are not unusual in disputes, Sowore said the amount involved raises questions about accountability and transparency.
He further wondered how a public official earning far less annually could afford such a large payment.
“Where did a minister earning less than ₦25 million a year get ₦110 million to settle one case?” he queried.
The activist also revealed that some political figures were reportedly involved in discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.
According to him, Tracy held meetings with Senator Ireti Kingibe, while another lawmaker identified as Natasha was also said to have participated in talks over how the issue could be settled.
Despite the controversy surrounding Tracy’s new statement, Sowore maintained that the central issue that initially drew him into the matter was the way the authorities handled the situation.
He argued that the police had no justification to move Tracy from Lagos to Abuja during the early stage of the dispute.
For him, the case represented what he described as a struggle between an ordinary citizen and a powerful figure in government.
Sowore said his intervention was based on the principle that no individual should be intimidated or pressured simply because of the influence of those involved.
Although Tracy has now taken a different position on the matter, Sowore said the broader conversation about power, accountability and the treatment of ordinary citizens by powerful individuals remains an important issue.
