Ebonyi Governor Umahi Questions Peter Obi’s Absence From Debate

According to Minister of Works David Umahi, Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress’s presidential candidate, turned down his invitation to a public debate because he was aware that he would lose when comparing their records in public office.

In response to Obi’s recent comments rejecting the minister’s challenge, Umahi made the assertion in a statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.

Prior to this, the minister had asked Obi to participate in a discussion about how each of them had performed as governor.

Both politicians served as governors for two terms.

However, Obi stated that Umahi must first run for president before being invited to such an engagement in an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo.

Obi maintained that presidential candidates should participate in debates.

The former governor of Anambra compared the situation to a football team that made it to the FIFA World Cup being challenged by a team that did not.

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.

“By contrast, Peter Obi’s highest elective public office and entire experience has 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.”

“Keeping money in the bank while leaving contractors unpaid and failing to complete meaningful, life-impacting projects cannot, by itself, be regarded as an achievement. Ultimately, leadership is measured by the tangible improvements it delivers to the lives of the people.”

“One cannot credibly aspire to lead a nation as complex and demanding as Nigeria without a demonstrable record of performance as a governor.

“Likewise, it is difficult to convince Nigerians that you are prepared to challenge an administration led by a focused and determined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when you are not even a match and cannot stand a debate with one of the key leaders of that administration on the basis of verifiable performance and achievements.

“Nigerians deserve the opportunity to evaluate records.”