The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has accused Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi of initiating their public disagreement, insisting that his comments about the opposition politician were a response to what he described as an unfair confrontation.
Umahi made the remarks during an exclusive interview on Arise News on Friday, October 23, while addressing the controversy surrounding his exchanges with Obi.
The minister said he did not initiate the criticism, alleging that Obi confronted him publicly at a construction site where he was working.
“We all determine our own destinies. I did not criticise Peter Obi; he started the confrontation by coming to the construction site where I was working and publicly castigating me. I consider that very unfair,” Umahi said.
He explained that his subsequent remarks were intended to caution against repeatedly condemning other people, arguing that such conduct could eventually attract similar criticism.
“I only said that when you continually condemn others, you bring judgment upon yourself,” he said.
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Umahi also criticised Obi over comments allegedly made by one of his supporters, saying the former Anambra State governor should have publicly distanced himself from the statement.
“One of them reportedly said that even if Jesus contested in an election, Peter Obi would win. That is an affront to our faith, and I expected Peter Obi to speak out against such a statement,” he said.
The minister did not identify the supporter or provide further details about when the alleged remark was made.
His comments add to the public exchanges between the two politicians, who occupy opposing positions in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform, is now associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Umahi serves in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The latest remarks highlight the continuing political tensions as parties and prominent figures position themselves ahead of the next election cycle.