By Lawrence Agbo
Minister of Works David Umahi has responded to Peter Obi’s rejection of his invitation to a public debate, insisting the proposed engagement was about comparing governance records and not political status.
Umahi’s reaction followed Obi’s remarks during an interview in which the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate declined the invitation, saying the minister was not his political peer.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, Umahi said the debate was never intended to focus on political ambition but on accountability and measurable achievements in public office.
“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,” the statement read.
The minister argued that governance should be assessed based on verifiable achievements rather than political titles.
“If governance is measured by performance, political ambition should not prevent an honest comparison of records. Senator Umahi’s invitation was straightforward: place the evidence on the table and let Nigerians decide,” he said.
Umahi also defended his record in public office, pointing to infrastructure projects executed during his tenure as Ebonyi State governor as well as major federal road projects currently being undertaken under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He further dismissed the notion that financial savings alone define good governance, insisting that leadership should also be measured by visible development and improvements in people’s lives.
“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,” Umahi stated.
Reaffirming his position, the minister said he remains ready to participate in a public debate on any credible platform.
“The debate would not have been about personalities or political parties. It would have focused on verifiable outcomes—roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, public institutions, urban renewal, economic development and the lasting impact of governance,” the statement added.
