Minister of Works, David Umahi, has claimed that Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi declined his invitation to a public debate because he believed he could not defend his record against his own achievements in public office.
The minister made the assertion in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, while responding to Obi’s recent comments on the proposed debate.
Minister highlights his public service experience
Umahi said the debate was intended to compare their performances as former state governors and allow Nigerians to assess their contributions to governance.
According to the minister, his public service career extends beyond serving as governor of Ebonyi State. He listed his previous roles as state party chairman, deputy governor, governor, Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Co-Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, senator and Minister of Works.
He contrasted this with Obi’s political career, noting that the former Anambra governor’s highest elected office was governor.
Umahi defends development projects
The minister pointed to infrastructure projects executed during his administration in Ebonyi State, including roads, bridges, flyovers, schools and hospitals.
He also referenced ongoing federal road projects under his supervision as Minister of Works, arguing that leadership should be judged by visible development and improvements in people’s lives.
Umahi further criticised Obi’s emphasis on fiscal savings during his tenure as governor, insisting that financial prudence alone should not be the sole measure of successful governance.
Obi insists debates are for presidential candidates
Peter Obi had earlier rejected the invitation, stating during an interview that presidential debates should only involve presidential candidates.
The former Anambra governor argued that Umahi would first need to become a presidential candidate before such an engagement would be appropriate.
Obi compared the situation to a football team that qualified for the FIFA World Cup being challenged by one that failed to qualify.
Accountability should come first, says Umahi
Responding to Obi’s remarks, Umahi maintained that the proposed debate was never about political ambition but about accountability and leadership.
He said Nigerians deserved an opportunity to compare the records of both former governors and judge their performances based on measurable achievements.
According to the minister, governance should be assessed through verifiable projects and the impact public officials have made while in office.