Minister of Works David Umahi has alleged that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, declined his invitation to a public debate because he could not defend his record in office against his own.
Umahi made the allegation in a statement issued on Sunday, July 12, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, while responding to Obi’s recent remarks dismissing the challenge.
The minister had invited Obi to a public debate comparing their performances as two-term governors of Ebonyi and Anambra states.
Obi rejected the proposal during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, arguing that presidential debates should only involve presidential candidates.
He said Umahi should first become a presidential candidate before inviting him to such a debate.
Responding, Umahi said the invitation was never about politics or electoral status but about public accountability.
“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.
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“If governance is measured by performance, political ambition should not prevent an honest comparison of records,” the statement said.
Umahi argued that his public service experience extends beyond serving as governor, noting that he had also served as state party chairman, deputy governor, senator and now Minister of Works.
“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,” the statement said.
The minister also criticised Obi’s emphasis on fiscal savings, insisting that governance should be assessed by visible development.
“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,” the statement said.
Umahi maintained that he remains ready to debate Obi on any credible platform, saying Nigerians deserve the opportunity to compare the records of those seeking to lead the country.