Minister of Works Dave Umahi has fired back at Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, stating that being a presidential candidate is not an achievement. Umahi made the remarks while responding to Obi’s refusal to debate him, citing Umahi’s lack of presidential candidacy.
Background of the exchange
The dispute began weeks ago when Umahi challenged Obi to a debate on the infrastructural achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This came after Obi criticized the federal government over the poor state of major roads across Nigeria.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Obi was asked if he would accept Umahi’s debate invitation. Obi responded that Umahi must first become a presidential candidate before they can debate. He likened the situation to a Division One football team challenging a Premier League team to a match. “If he is inviting me to a debate as a presidential candidate, then he has to become a presidential candidate first. The World Cup is going on now. You cannot stay outside and invite a team that qualified for the World Cup to come and play against you simply because you think you are good. No. There is a qualification process. I am a presidential candidate. Around the world, not all presidential candidates participate in debates. It is usually the leading candidates. It is like someone in Division One asking a Premier League team to play a match. No! You compete within your own circle. When he becomes a presidential candidate, then he can debate with those who are in that category,” Obi said.
Umahi’s response
While inspecting a road project on Sunday, Umahi dismissed Obi’s stance, saying being a presidential candidate is not an achievement as Obi portrays it. Umahi argued that his service in public office has contributed more to Nigeria than Obi’s accomplishments. He also noted that since President Tinubu is on the ballot as a presidential candidate, he, Umahi, is by extension also a presidential candidate.
“Being a presidential candidate is not an achievement. I have done more for Nigeria through serving in public office than Obi has ever done. President Tinubu is on the ballot as a presidential candidate, so by extension, I am also a presidential candidate,” Umahi stated.
Impact and implications
The exchange highlights the ongoing political rivalry and differing views on qualifications for debate. Umahi’s challenge and Obi’s refusal underscore the competitive nature of Nigerian politics ahead of future elections. The debate over infrastructure remains a key issue, with both figures claiming to represent the best interests of Nigerians.
