Peter Obi Declined Debate Because He Can’t Defend Performance Record – Umahi

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has alleged that former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, declined his invitation to a public debate because he could not defend his record in office.

Umahi made the allegation in a statement issued by his media aide, Francis Nwaze.

According to the Minister, the proposed debate was not about politics or the 2027 general election but an opportunity to assess the performance records of both former governors.

He said the invitation was aimed at providing a platform for comparing their achievements in public service based on verifiable records.

“Politics comes and goes, but records remain. That was the basis of my invitation to Mr. Peter Obi. A debate on governance, leadership and results, not personalities or party,” Umahi said.

Naija News recalls that Obi had earlier declined Umahi’s invitation to a public debate, saying he was a presidential candidate, while Umahi had not attained the same political status.

Responding, Umahi said the proposed debate had nothing to do with political status but was centred on accountability and performance.

“It was never about electoral status. It was about accountability. Two former governors placing their records before Nigerians to judge who delivered more,” he said.

The Minister also described his political and public service career as more extensive than Obi’s, citing his experience as a businessman, party chairman, deputy governor, governor, Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Co-Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, senator and minister.

“Obi’s highest elective office was governor. He has not been party chairman, minister or senator,” Umahi said.

Highlighting his achievements as governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi listed the construction of concrete roads, flyovers, bridges, an international airport, a teaching hospital, a university of health sciences, an ecumenical centre, a shopping mall, a Government House, a judiciary complex and water projects, among others.

He also highlighted ongoing federal infrastructure projects under his supervision as Minister of Works, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the rehabilitation of major federal roads.

Umahi also faulted Obi’s emphasis on savings and fiscal discipline, arguing that public service should be evaluated based on physical infrastructure and institutional development.

“Fiscal prudence is good. But Nigerians must also ask: what physical and institutional legacy did you leave? Keeping money in the bank while contractors are unpaid and projects are abandoned is not achievement,” he said.

The Minister further criticised Obi’s administration over the conduct of local government elections in Anambra State, alleging that caretaker committees were used for most of his tenure.

Umahi maintained that Nigeria needed leaders with demonstrable records of performance and reiterated his readiness to participate in a public debate on any credible platform.

“Leadership is measured by the value delivered to the people,” he said.