‘FACE ME IN A DEBATE!’ UMAHI CHALLENGES PETER OBI, CLAIMS HE BACKED OUT

A heated political exchange has erupted between Minister of Works David Umahi and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi after the former accused Obi of avoiding a public debate on their respective records as governors.

The controversy began after Obi dismissed Umahi’s invitation to a debate, arguing that presidential candidates should only debate fellow presidential contenders. Speaking during an interview, Obi likened the challenge to a football team that failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup demanding to play against one that had qualified.

Responding in a statement issued by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, Umahi insisted the proposed debate was never about political ambition but about accountability and governance. He argued that Nigerians deserved an opportunity to compare the performances of two former governors and determine whose administration delivered greater impact.

Umahi claimed Obi’s refusal deprived Nigerians of what could have been a significant conversation on public service. He also highlighted his own political journey, which includes serving as deputy governor, governor of Ebonyi State, chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, co-chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, senator and Minister of Works.Defending his record, Umahi pointed to infrastructure projects executed during his tenure as governor, including roads, bridges, hospitals and schools, as well as ongoing federal road projects under his supervision as Minister of Works.

The minister also criticised Obi’s emphasis on fiscal savings while serving as governor of Anambra State, arguing that governance should be measured by tangible development and completed projects rather than money left in government accounts. He further alleged that Obi governed most of his tenure without democratically elected local government chairmen, relying instead on caretaker committees.

Maintaining that he remains ready for a public debate on any credible platform, Umahi said anyone seeking to lead Nigeria should be prepared to defend their record in public.

Peter Obi has not accepted the invitation, maintaining that debates of such nature should be reserved for presidential candidates.