VIDEO: Umahi Fires Back At Obi: “I Don’t Need To Be Presidential Candidate To Educate You

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that he does not need to be a presidential candidate before engaging former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a debate over governance and infrastructure development.

According to Ireporter Online, Umahi made the statement in a video shared on Sunday by Imran Muhammad, following Obi’s refusal to accept the minister’s invitation for a public debate on their respective performances while serving as governors.

Umahi argued that occupying a presidential ticket should not be considered the ultimate measure of achievement, stressing that his role as Minister of Works gives him enough experience and authority to discuss infrastructure issues.

“I don’t know what is the big deal about being a presidential candidate… So to be a presidential candidate is not an achievement,” Umahi stated.

The minister explained that his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid means he considers himself part of the political campaign team, noting that he remains committed to ensuring the completion of the administration’s projects.

“I’ve told him that I’m on the ballot. When President Bola Tinubu is on the ballot, I’m on the ballot because I don’t want this project to stop. I want it to be completed,” he said.

Umahi further maintained that he was qualified to explain the achievements of the Tinubu administration in the infrastructure sector without contesting for the presidency.

He also accused Obi of allegedly misrepresenting ongoing road projects by visiting construction sites and presenting them as abandoned, describing such actions as political theatrics.

The minister insisted that he remained willing to debate Obi at any time, saying he would not engage any other person on the matter except the former Anambra governor.

The development follows a recent disagreement between both politicians after Umahi challenged Obi to compare their records in office.

Obi had earlier declined the invitation during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, arguing that presidential debates are traditionally reserved for individuals contesting for the nation’s highest office. He compared the situation to a team that qualified for the FIFA World Cup being challenged by a team that failed to qualify.