Minister of Works David Umahi has criticised Peter Obi over the former Anambra governor’s repeated use of the phrase “go and verify” when discussing his record in public office and claims about governance.
Umahi made the remarks in a video that circulated on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, where he expressed his displeasure with Obi’s frequent invitation to Nigerians to independently examine his claims and records.
“I hate hearing this statement he always makes, ‘go and verify,’” Umahi said, according to reports of his remarks.
The minister’s comments centre on a recurring feature of Obi’s public engagements, in which the former presidential candidate has encouraged citizens to examine official records and other available evidence when assessing statements about his tenure as Anambra governor, public finances and governance.
Obi has previously used the phrase while defending his political record. In a 2025 statement, he challenged Nigerians to investigate his political history and said his record was not associated with electoral malpractice, while also calling for scrutiny of his claims.
Umahi’s latest criticism adds to a series of exchanges between supporters and critics of Obi as political activity increases ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The former Anambra governor is currently a presidential figure within the opposition political space, while Umahi serves in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The disagreement is significant because questions over transparency, public records and accountability have become recurring themes in Nigeria’s political debate. Calls by politicians for citizens to verify claims place greater emphasis on documentary evidence and official records when assessing competing narratives.
Umahi and Obi have previously clashed publicly over infrastructure projects and political issues. In June, Umahi criticised comments attributed to Obi concerning projects initiated by the Tinubu administration, while in July he dismissed suggestions that Obi represented a political threat to the President.
As the 2027 election approaches, exchanges between political figures are expected to intensify, with public scrutiny of past records, policies and statements likely to remain central to political debate.
