David Umahi has challenged Peter Obi to a public debate on governance and infrastructure, following Obi’s criticism of the condition of the Asaba–Benin Expressway.
Speaking during an event in Nasarawa State on July 1, Umahi dismissed Obi’s comments about the road as misleading, arguing that reconstruction of the Asaba–Benin Expressway has been ongoing since March 2025 under the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal programme.
The minister maintained that the Tinubu administration has prioritised the rehabilitation and construction of strategic highways across the country, citing the newly approved 125-kilometre Akwanga–Jos Superhighway, valued at approximately ₦111 billion, as one of several major road projects aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic development.
Umahi argued that the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda should be assessed based on projects already underway and invited Obi to engage in a public discussion on the administration’s performance in the sector.
The exchange follows Obi’s recent call for the government to prioritise repairing existing highways, particularly the Asaba–Benin Expressway, before embarking on new road projects. Obi had argued that fixing critical transport corridors would have a more immediate impact on road safety, commerce, and the daily lives of Nigerians.
Reactions to Umahi’s challenge have been mixed. While supporters of the Federal Government defended the administration’s infrastructure programme and welcomed the invitation to debate, some supporters of Obi dismissed the challenge, insisting that the condition of roads and the pace of project delivery should speak for themselves.
The public exchange reflects the increasingly active political discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections, with infrastructure, public spending, and economic development expected to feature prominently in campaign debates.
The Federal Government has continued to defend its investments in road infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to enhance transportation, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic growth, while opposition figures continue to call for greater emphasis on completing and maintaining existing projects alongside new developments.
