Minister of Works David Umahi has defended his invitation to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for a public debate, saying it was meant to compare their records in government rather than discuss politics or the 2027 election.
According to a report by Vanguard on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Umahi reacted after Obi declined the invitation, saying he was a presidential candidate of a national party while Umahi had not reached that political level.
According to the minister, the proposed debate was about accountability and giving Nigerians the opportunity to judge the achievements of two former governors based on facts.
Umahi argued that his political career has been broader than Obi’s. He said Obi’s highest elective office was governor and noted that Obi had never served as a party chairman, minister or senator. Umahi pointed to his own experience as a businessman, party chairman, deputy governor, governor, chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, co-chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, senator and now Minister of Works.
He also listed projects he carried out as Ebonyi State governor, including roads, bridges, an international airport, a teaching hospital, a university, water projects and government buildings. He added that he is currently supervising major federal road projects across the country.
Umahi further argued that while saving public funds is important, leaders should also be judged by the physical projects and institutions they leave behind. He also criticised Obi’s administration over its handling of local government elections and maintained that he remains ready for a public debate on their records.
In his words, “Obi’s highest elective office was governor. He has not been party chairman, minister or senator….See More