The minister of works, David Umahi, has said the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, declined his invitation to a public debate because he knew he could not win a comparison of their records in public office.
Umahi made the claim in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, while responding to Obi’s recent remarks dismissing the minister’s challenge.
The minister had earlier invited Obi to a debate focused on their respective performances as governors.
Both politicians were two-term former governors.
However, Obi, during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, said Umahi must first become a presidential candidate before inviting him to such an engagement.
Obi argued that presidential debates were meant for presidential candidates.
The former Anambra governor likened the situation to a football team that qualified for the FIFA World Cup being challenged by one that failed to qualify.
Responding, Umahi said the proposed debate was never about political ambition or electoral status but about accountability and governance.
“Many Nigerians expected what could have been one of the most consequential conversations on public service in recent times. Instead, Mr. Obi declined the invitation, explaining that he is currently a presidential candidate while Senator Umahi is not.
“Yet the challenge was never about electoral status. It was about accountability. It was about inviting two former governors to present their records before Nigerians and allow the public to judge whose leadership produced the greater impact.
“If governance is measured by performance, political ambition should not prevent an honest comparison of records,” the statement said.
The minister argued that his public service experience extended beyond his tenure as governor of Ebonyi State, citing his roles as state party chairman, deputy governor, governor, Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Co-Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, senator, and Minister of Works.
“By contrast, Peter Obi’s highest elective public office and entire experience have been governor of Anambra State. Beyond that, he has not held any other executive or legislative public office. Not party chairman, not minister, and never a senator.
“At every stage, Umahi’s leadership was tested through elections, public scrutiny, and increasing national responsibility,” the statement added.
