Obi Declined Debate Due To Concerns Over Defending His Record — Umahi

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has alleged that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, rejected his invitation for a public debate because he was unable to defend his performance record while in office.

According to Ireporter Online, Umahi made the claim in a statement released by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, stressing that the proposed debate was not politically motivated or connected to the 2027 general election.

The Minister explained that the proposed discussion was designed as an opportunity for both former governors to present their achievements in public service and allow Nigerians to assess their records based on verifiable facts.

Umahi stated that political positions may change over time, but achievements and records remain permanent, adding that his invitation was focused on governance, leadership and results rather than personal attacks or party affiliations.

“Politics comes and goes, but records remain. That was the basis of my invitation to Mr. Peter Obi. A debate on governance, leadership and results, not personalities or party,” he said.

The Minister’s comments followed Obi’s earlier decision to decline the invitation, arguing that he was a presidential candidate while Umahi had not occupied the same political position.

Reacting to Obi’s response, Umahi insisted that the debate was not about political status but about accountability and a comparison of achievements between two former governors.

He said the proposed engagement was aimed at allowing Nigerians to judge which of the two leaders delivered more during their time in office.

Umahi further highlighted his political journey, noting that his career included roles as a businessman, party chairman, deputy governor, governor, senator and minister. He argued that his experience in public service was broader than Obi’s, whose highest elective position was governor of Anambra State.

The Minister also listed several projects completed during his tenure as Ebonyi State Governor, including roads, bridges, flyovers, an international airport, a teaching hospital, a university of health sciences, government facilities and water projects.

He also pointed to major federal infrastructure initiatives being executed under his supervision as Minister of Works, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and rehabilitation of major federal roads across the country.

Umahi also questioned Obi’s emphasis on financial savings and fiscal discipline, arguing that governance should be measured by tangible projects and institutional development rather than money saved alone.

According to him, while financial prudence is important, leaders should also be judged by the impact of their administration on citizens through completed projects and lasting developments.

The Minister further criticised Obi’s administration in Anambra over local government administration, alleging that caretaker committees were used for much of his tenure instead of elected local government officials.

Umahi maintained that Nigeria requires leaders with proven records of delivering results and reaffirmed his willingness to participate in a public debate on any credible platform, stating that leadership should ultimately be measured by the value created for the people.