Minister of Works David Umahi has challenged the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to a public debate on governance and infrastructure, following the former Anambra State governor’s criticism of the Federal Government’s road development strategy.
Umahi threw the challenge on Wednesday during the flag-off of the construction of the Akwanga–Jos Superhighway, accusing Obi of reducing governance to social media commentary by highlighting deteriorated sections of federal roads while overlooking ongoing infrastructure projects.
The minister’s remarks came days after Obi argued that the Federal Government should prioritise the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing highways before embarking on new road projects. In a statement titled “My Stance on Road Development,” Obi cited the Asaba–Benin Road as one of the country’s critical transport corridors that requires urgent attention.
Responding to the criticism, Umahi said Obi’s comments unfairly questioned his integrity and understanding of governance.
“I feel so sad when my brother, the former Governor of Anambra State, who should know what administration is and what governance is. I saw his social media when he got to a point where the road is bad, and he snapped it. When did governance reduce to comedy?” Umahi said.
The minister said he was prepared to engage Obi in an open debate on infrastructure development, including the cost of major road projects being executed by the current administration.
“I’m always ready for a debate. I’m always ready to disaggregate the unit cost of concrete and to debate with him,” Umahi added.
Umahi has consistently defended the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure programme, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other legacy road projects, arguing that they are essential to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth. In recent weeks, he has also criticised comments attributed to Obi suggesting that some of the projects would be halted if he became president.
Neither Obi nor the NDC had immediately issued a formal response to Umahi’s latest challenge at the time of reporting.
The exchange is the latest in a series of public disagreements between senior officials of the Tinubu administration and the former Anambra governor, as political rhetoric intensifies ahead of the 2027 general election.
