Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has responded to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, stating that he does not have to be a presidential candidate before engaging the former Anambra State governor on issues relating to infrastructure.
Speaking with journalists during an inspection of a construction site on Sunday, Umahi defended the ongoing infrastructure projects being executed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, maintaining that he remains committed to ensuring their successful completion.
He said: “I asked my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, for a debate on what I am doing. He said I am not the presidential candidate. I told him I am on the ballot. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on the ballot, then I am on the ballot because I don’t want this project to stop. I want it to be completed
“So, I want all of us together to win with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that he can continue.
“I don’t know the big deal about being a presidential candidate. There are presidential candidates, and there are presidential candidates. I belong a little bit higher than what he belongs to.
“So, to be a presidential candidate is not an achievement. And if you go to a site that’s under construction and stand there to say the road is bad, what were you doing? Like the turtle that has been in its shell until the day it is released.
“I don’t need to be a residential candidate to educate you, as a professor, on infrastructure,” he said.
BACKSTORY:
The exchange between David Umahi and Peter Obi is the latest in a series of political disagreements ahead of the 2027 general elections. In recent months, members of the Tinubu administration and leading opposition figures have increasingly clashed over the government’s performance, particularly on infrastructure, the economy and governance.
The war of words began after Umahi challenged Obi to a public debate on the Federal Government’s road infrastructure projects, insisting that the Tinubu administration’s achievements in the sector could withstand public scrutiny. Responding during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Obi said he would only debate Umahi after the minister emerged as the presidential candidate of a political party, arguing that such a debate should be between political equals seeking the nation’s highest office.
Obi’s remarks sparked reactions from several members of the presidency. Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala subsequently criticised the former Anambra State governor, questioning his political credentials and describing him as a “miracle centre presidential candidate.” Umahi’s latest comments further underscore the growing political exchanges between the ruling administration and opposition figures as activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to gather momentum.
