The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed Works Minister Dave Umahi’s invitation to a public debate, insisting that presidential debates are reserved for those contesting the nation’s highest office.
Obi made the remarks during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo while responding to Umahi’s challenge following his criticism of the condition of some federal roads.
According to the former Anambra State governor, the issue had already achieved its intended objective, as the government had begun repairing the road he complained about.
“First of all, I already started the debate by standing on that road and saying the road was bad. The only reply should have been that the road was good. But I thank him because he is now repairing the road, so the debate is closed. There is nothing else to debate.”
Obi argued that if Umahi wished to debate him in the capacity of a presidential candidate, he must first secure that status.
“If he is inviting me to a debate as a presidential candidate, then he has to become a presidential candidate first.”
Drawing a comparison with international football, Obi said it would be inappropriate for someone who had not qualified for a competition to challenge participants already in the tournament.
“The World Cup is going on now. You cannot stay outside and invite a team that qualified for the World Cup to come and play against you simply because you think you are good. No. There is a qualification process.”
He further maintained that presidential debates are traditionally conducted among candidates contesting for the presidency, particularly the leading contenders.
“I am a presidential candidate. Around the world, not all presidential candidates participate in debates. It is usually the leading candidates. It is like someone in Division One asking a Premier League team to play a match. No. You compete within your own level. When he becomes a presidential candidate, then he can debate with those who are in that category,” Obi added.
