Peter Obi Rejects Debate with Nigeria's Works Minister David Umahi

Presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress said he would not debate Works Minister David Umahi because presidential debates are reserved for candidates officially contesting the presidency. Obi likened the situation to a non‑qualified football team challenging a World Cup participant.

Umahi responded that the invitation was about assessing the performance records of two former governors, not about electoral status. He highlighted his longer public‑service resume – including roles as governor, senator and minister – and argued that being a presidential candidate is not an automatic achievement. The minister also criticised Obi’s focus on fiscal prudence over tangible infrastructure, citing projects such as the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway and other federal road works.

President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser Daniel Bwala mocked Obi, calling him a “miracle centre presidential candidate” and questioning whether Obi had ever taken part in a primary. The exchange underscores the growing political tension ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.