The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has claimed that former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, declined his invitation to a public debate because he could not defend his performance in office.
Umahi made the assertion in a statement issued on Saturday through his media aide, Francis Nwaze, insisting that the proposed debate was never about politics or the 2027 presidential election but about comparing their records in public service.
According to the minister, the debate was intended to give Nigerians an opportunity to objectively assess the achievements of two former governors based on verifiable facts and governance records.
He dismissed Obi’s explanation that he declined the invitation because he is a presidential candidate of a national political party while Umahi is not, arguing that electoral status was never the issue.
“It was never about electoral status. It was about accountability. Two former governors presenting their records before Nigerians to determine who delivered more,” Umahi stated.
The former Ebonyi State governor also described his political journey as more extensive, noting that he had served 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 maintained that Obi’s highest elective office was governor, adding that he had never served as a party chairman, senator or minister.
Highlighting his achievements in Ebonyi State, Umahi listed the construction of concrete roads, bridges, flyovers, an international airport, a teaching hospital, a university of health sciences, an ecumenical centre, a shopping mall, government buildings and several water projects.
He also pointed to major federal infrastructure projects currently under his supervision, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the rehabilitation of key federal roads across the country.
Umahi further criticised Obi’s emphasis on fiscal discipline and savings, arguing that prudent financial management should be complemented by visible infrastructure and lasting institutional development.
He also alleged that Obi relied on caretaker committees for much of his administration instead of conducting local government elections.
Reaffirming his position, the minister said he remains willing to engage Obi in a public debate on any credible platform, insisting that leadership should ultimately be judged by tangible results and the impact made on the lives of the people.
