Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, that his life is under threat, insisting that no one wants the former Anambra State governor dead.
Umahi described Obi’s remarks as a reflection of political frustration, arguing that the ongoing infrastructure development under President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the South-East, has weakened Obi’s political appeal in the region.
The minister spoke on Friday while inspecting ongoing federal road projects and other legacy infrastructure initiatives of the Tinubu administration in Ebonyi State.
According to him, Obi remains free to participate in future elections and should expect to face the electorate rather than fear for his life.
“Nobody wants Obi dead. It’s not reasonable. We all want him alive to contest the election and watch himself lose again,” Umahi said.
He contended that Obi’s political influence in the South-East was based on what he described as “an accident of history” during the last presidential election, maintaining that the Federal Government’s investment in infrastructure across the region has changed public perception.
Umahi said the administration had demonstrated unprecedented commitment to the South-East through road construction and other developmental projects, adding that the region now has stronger reasons to support President Tinubu.
He also challenged Obi to a public debate on the performance of the current administration, particularly on infrastructure and national development.
The minister warned the former Labour Party presidential candidate against what he described as persistent verbal attacks on President Tinubu.
“If Peter Obi attacks Tinubu, I will attack him. I’m not attacking Obi; I’m only stating the truth. He should stop attacking President Tinubu and instead commend the ongoing infrastructure development across the South-East and the country,” Umahi said.
READ ALSO:Â No Harm Must Come To Peter Obi, Atiku Warns FG
He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would remain in office until 2031, saying the administration required another term to consolidate its developmental agenda across the six geopolitical zones.
According to Umahi, no previous administration had given the South-East the level of attention it is currently receiving in terms of federal infrastructure.
“Nobody has remembered the South-East in terms of infrastructure the way President Tinubu has done. We must reciprocate that by supporting him massively,” he added.
The minister maintained that he had no regrets over his public defence of the President, insisting that his position was based on what he described as facts and visible achievements of the administration.
The comments come amid heightened political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general election, with leading political figures increasingly trading criticisms over governance, development and electoral prospects.