The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has responded to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that he does not need to be a presidential candidate before engaging him in a public debate.
Umahi made the remarks in a video shared on Sunday by social media user Imran Muhammad, days after Obi declined the minister’s invitation to compare their performances as former governors.
The former Ebonyi State governor said becoming a presidential candidate should not be viewed as a special achievement, stressing that leadership should instead be measured by tangible accomplishments and service to the people.
“I don’t need to be a presidential candidate to educate you. To be a presidential candidate is not an achievement,” Umahi said in the video.
The minister maintained that his record in public office, particularly as governor of Ebonyi State and now as Minister of Works, speaks for itself. He argued that meaningful discussions should focus on governance, infrastructure development, and the impact leaders have made while in office.
Umahi had earlier challenged Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, to a public debate where both men would present their achievements during their respective tenures as governors.
However, Obi declined the invitation, saying he does not engage in debates that are not issue-based and prefers to focus on discussing policies and solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
The exchange has continued to generate reactions across social media, with supporters of both political figures expressing differing opinions over whether such a debate would be beneficial.
As political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually intensify, the latest verbal exchange between the two former governors has further drawn public attention.
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