The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has claimed that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, turned down his invitation to a public debate because he could not withstand a comparison of their respective records in public office.
Umahi made the assertion in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, in response to Obi’s recent comments dismissing the minister’s challenge.
The former Ebonyi State governor had invited Obi, who also served two terms as governor of Anambra State, to a public discussion centred on their performances while in office.
Obi, however, rejected the proposal during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, insisting that such engagements were reserved for presidential candidates. He argued that Umahi should first become a presidential candidate before inviting him to a debate, likening the situation to “a football team that qualified for the FIFA World Cup being challenged by one that failed to qualify.”
Responding to Obi’s position, Umahi maintained that the invitation had nothing to do with political ambitions or electoral contests but was aimed at promoting accountability in governance.
According to the minister, “Many Nigerians expected what could have been one of the most consequential conversations on public service in recent times. Instead, Mr. Obi declined the invitation, explaining that he is currently a presidential candidate while Senator Umahi is not.
“Yet the challenge was never about electoral status. It was about accountability. It was about inviting two former governors to present their records before Nigerians and allow the public to judge whose leadership produced the greater impact.
“If governance is measured by performance, political ambition should not prevent an honest comparison of records.”
Umahi argued that his experience in public service extends far beyond his time as governor, listing several leadership positions he has occupied over the years.
The statement noted that the minister had served as a state 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.
It contrasted this with Obi’s career, stating that his highest elected office was governor of Anambra State.
“By contrast, Peter Obi’s highest elective public office and entire experience has been Governor of Anambra State. Beyond that, he has not held any other executive or legislative public office. Not party chairman, not minister, and never a senator.
“At every stage, Umahi’s leadership was tested through elections, public scrutiny and increasing national responsibility,” the statement said.
Highlighting his achievements, Umahi pointed to infrastructure projects executed during his administration in Ebonyi State, including roads, bridges, flyovers, hospitals and schools, as well as ongoing federal highway projects being implemented under his supervision as Minister of Works.
He also criticised Obi’s emphasis on prudent financial management while serving as governor, insisting that governance should ultimately be judged by visible improvements in citizens’ lives rather than the size of government savings.
According to the statement, “Keeping money in the bank while leaving contractors unpaid and failing to complete meaningful, life-impacting projects cannot, by itself, be regarded as an achievement. Ultimately, leadership is measured by the tangible improvements it delivers to the lives of the people.”
Umahi further alleged that Obi governed Anambra State for most of his tenure without democratically elected local government chairmen, relying instead on caretaker committees until local government elections were conducted shortly before he left office.
Despite Obi’s refusal, the minister reiterated his willingness to participate in a public debate on any credible platform, insisting that Nigerians deserve an opportunity to compare the records of those seeking leadership positions.
He stated, “One cannot credibly aspire to lead a nation as complex and demanding as Nigeria without a demonstrable record of performance as a governor.
“Likewise, it is difficult to convince Nigerians that you are prepared to challenge an administration led by a focused and determined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when you are not even a match and cannot stand a debate with one of the key leaders of that administration on the basis of verifiable performance and achievements.
“Nigerians deserve the opportunity to evaluate records,” the statement added.
(Ripples)