The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reacted to the decision of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to decline his invitation to a public debate, arguing that the former Anambra governor avoided the engagement because of his governance record.
Obi, during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, said he would only participate in debates with fellow presidential candidates and not with political office holders. He advised Umahi to “play within his circle” and wait until he becomes a presidential candidate before proposing such a debate.
Responding in a statement issued on Sunday, Umahi said the proposed debate was never about political ambition but about accountability and comparing their performances as former governors.
He said many Nigerians had anticipated what could have been “one of the most consequential conversations on public service in recent times,” but lamented that Obi declined the invitation on the grounds that he is currently a presidential candidate while Umahi is not.
According to the minister, the objective was to allow two former governors to present their records in office for public scrutiny.
“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,” the statement said.
Umahi argued that if governance is measured by performance, political ambition should not stand in the way of an open comparison of achievements.
The former Ebonyi State governor further maintained that Obi declined the challenge because he knew his record as governor of Anambra State could not be compared with the achievements recorded during his administration in Ebonyi.
Umahi also highlighted his broader public service experience, noting that he has served as state party chairman, deputy governor, governor, Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Co-Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, senator and currently as Minister of Works.
He contrasted this with Obi’s public service record, stating that the former Anambra governor’s highest elective office remains that of governor and that he has not served as a minister, senator or party chairman.
The minister added that his leadership had been tested through multiple elections, increasing public responsibilities and national appointments, unlike Obi’s experience, which he said was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.