Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has responded to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi over the latter’s decision to decline his invitation to a public debate, insisting that leadership should be judged by performance rather than political status.
The exchange followed Obi’s remarks that he would not participate in the proposed debate because he is a presidential candidate while Umahi is not. Reacting through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister said the invitation was never about who holds a higher political office but about comparing records of governance and accountability.
Umahi dismissed the suggestion that only presidential candidates are qualified to engage in discussions on governance, stressing that public officials have a responsibility to explain their stewardship regardless of their political ambitions. “I don’t need to be a presidential candidate to educate you,” the minister said, maintaining that the proposed debate was intended to promote transparency and allow Nigerians to assess the achievements of both leaders based on verifiable facts.
According to the minister, governance should be measured by completed projects, economic impact, and service delivery rather than campaign rhetoric. He argued that constructive debates on public administration would help Nigerians make informed political decisions ahead of future elections.
The verbal exchange is the latest in a series of political disagreements between the two prominent figures as discussions around the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum. Political observers say the disagreement reflects the increasingly competitive nature of Nigeria’s political landscape, with leading figures seeking to defend their records while appealing to voters.
Although neither side has indicated any willingness to revisit the debate proposal, the exchange has continued to generate reactions across social media and among political stakeholders, further fueling conversations about accountability, governance, and leadership in Nigeria.
