Umahi Claims Obi Refused Debate Over Record
Minister of Works David Umahi has accused Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, of deliberately avoiding a public debate on governance because his record as a former governor cannot withstand direct scrutiny. The allegation was made through Umahi's Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, in a statement issued on Sunday, July 12, 2026, as reported by The Punch.
Obi Dismissed Debate Invitation
Umahi had earlier extended a public invitation to Obi, proposing a structured debate focused on what each man achieved during their respective two-term governorships. In a recent interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Obi rejected the premise outright, arguing that such engagements were appropriate only between presidential candidates. He compared the situation to a team that qualified for the FIFA World Cup being challenged by one that did not.
Umahi: Debate Is About Accountability, Not Ambition
The minister countered that the proposed debate had nothing to do with electoral campaigns or political ambition. According to the statement, the objective was to place both men's governance records before Nigerians and allow the public to determine whose leadership delivered greater results. Umahi argued, "If governance is measured by performance, political ambition should not prevent an honest comparison of records."
Umahi further noted that his public service history stretched well beyond his eight years as Ebonyi State governor, while Obi's entire record in elective public office consisted solely of his governorship in Anambra State, with no subsequent legislative, executive, or ministerial appointment.
Savings Record vs Completed Projects
Umahi also pushed back against Obi's widely cited practice of preserving government funds during his time as Anambra governor. The minister argued that keeping money in state accounts while leaving contractors unpaid and failing to deliver completed infrastructure could not, by itself, be considered a governance achievement. He referenced roads, flyovers, bridges, hospitals, and schools constructed under his administration in Ebonyi State, alongside ongoing federal road projects he oversees as minister.
The statement also raised questions about local government governance under Obi, alleging that elected council chairmen were absent for most of the former governor's tenure, with caretaker committees filling that gap until elections were held shortly before he left office.
Umahi Willing to Debate on Any Platform
Umahi reaffirmed his willingness to appear on any credible platform for a public debate. He suggested that Obi's reluctance to engage raised questions about his preparedness to challenge the 2027 presidency led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. "Nigerians deserve the opportunity to evaluate records," Umahi said.
Obi's Condition for Withdrawal
Recall that Peter Obi stated he would withdraw from the 2027 race if credible evidence of unfitness is presented. He has also supported Pastor Adeboye's claim that President Tinubu had done his best on security, but questioned whether that best was sufficient. Obi argued that the presidency demands competence, capacity, and character, and said Tinubu lacked the capacity to lead Nigeria and needed to step aside.
