Minister of Works Dave Umahi has declared that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi will be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election but will suffer another defeat. Umahi made this statement on Friday, July 10, while inspecting federal road projects in Ebonyi State, according to ThisDay.
Obi's Fear of Assassination Dismissed
Obi had recently alleged in an interview that there are threats to his life and he is uncertain whether he will survive to run in the 2027 election. Umahi dismissed these claims as a sign of frustration, insisting that no one is interested in harming Obi.
“Nobody wants Obi dead. It’s not just reasonable. We all want him alive to contest this election and watch himself lose again,” Umahi said.
South-East Stronghold Called 'Accident of History'
The minister attributed Obi’s concerns to his belief that the South-East region remains his political stronghold after the 2023 election. Umahi described Obi’s performance in the region as “an accident of history,” suggesting it was not a reliable indicator of future support.
“What he is afraid of is because he said south-east is his catchment area because of the last election, which I call an accident of history,” Umahi stated.
Political Context and Reactions
Obi, who ran under the Labour Party in 2023, came third behind Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, but won a significant share of votes in the South-East. His recent comments about security threats have sparked debate, with Umahi’s response adding to the political tension ahead of 2027.
