Bwala Fires Back At Peter Obi, Defends Umahi’s Record As Governor

According to Ireporter Online, a fresh exchange of words has erupted between the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Communication, Daniel Bwala, and the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over comments involving the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

The controversy followed recent remarks by Umahi, who accused the former Anambra State governor of repeatedly attacking his integrity and personality. During the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Akwanga-Jos Superhighway, the minister described Obi as lacking adequate understanding of governance. He also alleged that Obi deliberately photographed a damaged section of the road and shared it on social media to score political points rather than acknowledge ongoing government efforts.

Umahi subsequently challenged Obi to a public debate over the issues raised.

Responding during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Obi dismissed the challenge, insisting there was no reason to engage in a debate with the minister. He maintained that he had merely drawn public attention to the deplorable condition of Nigerian roads, adding that Umahi responded by commencing repairs on the road he had highlighted.

Obi further stated that if the minister wished to debate him in the capacity of a presidential candidate, Umahi would first need to become a presidential candidate himself.

Reacting to Obi’s comments, Bwala took to his X account, where he questioned the former governor’s claim to presidential qualification. He argued that Obi had never emerged from a presidential primary election and therefore lacked the standing to question Umahi’s credentials.

Bwala also referred to Obi as a “miracle centre presidential candidate,” while praising Umahi as a successful former governor and a performing minister. He questioned how someone he claimed had never secured a presidential nomination through party primaries could challenge the qualifications of a public official with what he described as a proven record in governance.