The camp of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has criticized the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Coalition (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, for declining an invitation to participate in a public debate comparing their records in public office.
The position was contained in a press statement titled “Umahi vs Obi: The Performance Debate Obi Declined, Knowing He Could Not Win,” signed by Francis Nwanze, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Works.
According to the statement, the proposed debate was intended to provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the governance records of both men based on their achievements in office rather than political rhetoric or partisan considerations.
The statement said many Nigerians had anticipated what it described as a significant national conversation on governance and leadership but expressed disappointment that Obi reportedly declined the invitation, explaining that he is currently a presidential candidate while Senator Umahi is not.
However, Nwanze argued that the invitation was never about electoral status or political ambition but about accountability and measurable performance in public service.
“The invitation was simply to place both records before Nigerians and allow the public to determine whose leadership delivered greater impact,” the statement said.
Defending the minister’s credentials, Nwanze outlined what he described as Umahi’s extensive public service experience, noting that before entering politics he built a successful career in the private sector before serving as Chairman of a ruling political party in Ebonyi State, Deputy Governor, Governor, Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, Co-Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District and currently as Minister of Works.
The statement contrasted this with Obi’s political career, stating that his highest elective office was Governor of Anambra State and that he has not served as a minister, senator or political party chairman.
Highlighting Umahi’s tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State, the statement credited his administration with delivering extensive concrete road networks, flyovers, bridges, urban renewal projects and major public infrastructure across the state.
Among the projects listed were the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu, the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, the Ecumenical Centre, the Ebonyi Shopping Mall, the New Government House, the New Governor’s Lodge, the State Executive Council Chambers, the State Judiciary Complex, the Margaret Umahi International Market, the revitalized Fertilizer Blending Plant, modern hospitals, schools, water schemes and drainage infrastructure, as well as 23 flyovers constructed across the state.
The statement also highlighted Umahi’s performance as Minister of Works, citing major infrastructure projects being executed under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of several strategic federal highways across the country.
According to Nwanze, these projects provide visible evidence of the minister’s commitment to infrastructure development and national economic growth.
He maintained that governance should ultimately be judged by tangible achievements rather than political narratives and reiterated that Senator Umahi’s invitation was aimed at promoting public accountability by allowing Nigerians to compare the performance records of both former governors.
The statement concluded that Senator Umahi remains willing to engage in a public discussion focused on governance, insisting that leadership should be evaluated on the basis of verifiable accomplishments and service delivery.
