“Why Obi Rejected My Debate Challenge” — Umahi Opens Up, Questions Ex-Governor’s Performance Record

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has claimed that former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, declined his invitation to a public debate because he could not defend his performance while in office.
In a statement released through his media aide, Francis Nwaze, Umahi said the proposed debate was never about politics or the 2027 presidential race but a chance for both former governors to present their records of service before Nigerians.
According to him, the debate was intended to focus on governance, leadership and measurable achievements rather than political affiliations or personal attacks.
“Politics comes and goes, but records remain. My invitation to Peter Obi was based solely on governance, leadership and results, not personalities or party politics,” Umahi stated.
The minister’s remarks come after Obi reportedly declined the debate invitation, arguing that he had contested for the presidency while Umahi had not reached the same political level.
Reacting, Umahi insisted that political status was irrelevant to the challenge, stressing that the real issue was accountability and performance.
“It was never about electoral status. It was about accountability. Two former governors presenting their records for Nigerians to decide who achieved more,” he said.
Umahi further argued that his political and public service experience surpasses Obi’s, pointing to his career as a businessman, party chairman, deputy governor, governor, Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Co-Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, senator and now Minister of Works.
He also highlighted several projects executed during his tenure as Ebonyi State governor, including concrete roads, flyovers, bridges, an international airport, a teaching hospital, a university of health sciences, government buildings and water infrastructure.
The minister additionally cited major federal projects currently under his supervision, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the rehabilitation of critical federal roads nationwide.
Taking a swipe at Obi’s emphasis on savings and fiscal discipline, Umahi argued that leadership should be judged by tangible infrastructure and lasting institutions rather than funds left in government accounts.
“Fiscal prudence is important, but Nigerians should also ask what physical and institutional legacy was left behind. Keeping money in the bank while projects remain unfinished is not an achievement,” he said.
Umahi also criticised Obi’s handling of local government administration in Anambra State, alleging that caretaker committees were used for much of his tenure.
Reaffirming his readiness for a public debate on any credible platform, the minister maintained that leadership should be assessed by the impact delivered to the people.
“Leadership is measured by the value delivered to the people,” Umahi concluded.