Obi declined debate because he can’t win on records – Umahi

By John Alechenu

ABUJA — Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has alleged that former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, declined a proposed public debate because he was unable to defend his record in office.

Umahi, in a statement issued by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, on Saturday, said the proposed debate was not about politics or the 2027 election but about assessing the performance records of both former governors.

He said the invitation was intended to provide a platform for comparing their achievements in public service based on verifiable records.

“Politics comes and goes, but records remain. That was the basis of my invitation to Mr. Peter Obi. A debate on governance, leadership and results, not personalities or party,” Umahi said.

Obi had earlier declined the invitation, arguing that he was a presidential candidate of a national party while Umahi had not attained that political status.

Reacting, Umahi said the debate was not about electoral standing but accountability and performance.

“It was never about electoral status. It was about accountability. Two former governors placing their records before Nigerians to judge who delivered more,” he said.

The minister described his political and public service journey as broader than Obi’s, listing his 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 minister.

“Obi’s highest elective office was governor. He has not been party chairman, minister or senator,” Umahi said.

Highlighting his achievements as Ebonyi State governor, Umahi listed the construction of concrete roads, flyovers, bridges, an international airport, a teaching hospital, a health sciences university, an ecumenical centre, shopping mall, government house, judiciary complex and water projects among others.

He also cited ongoing federal projects under his supervision as Minister of Works, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and rehabilitation of major federal roads.

Umahi also criticised Obi’s emphasis on savings and fiscal discipline, arguing that public leadership should also be measured by tangible projects and institutional development.

“Fiscal prudence is good. But Nigerians must also ask: what physical and institutional legacy did you leave? Keeping money in the bank while contractors are unpaid and projects are abandoned is not achievement,” he said.

He further criticised Obi’s administration in Anambra over the conduct of local government elections, alleging that caretaker committees were used for most of his tenure.

Umahi said Nigeria requires leaders with proven records of performance and insisted that he remained available for a debate on any credible platform. “Leadership is measured by the value delivered to the people,” he said.

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