Works Minister Umahi: Peter Obi Not a Threat to Tinubu in 2027

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Tuesday, July 7, rejected claims that Peter Obi represents a significant political challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 2027 presidential election draws near. Umahi confidently stated that neither the President nor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has any reason to be concerned about Obi's political standing.

During an interview on Arise Television's Daybreak Show, Umahi remarked, "Even I cannot be scared of Peter Obi, not to talk about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or our party, the APC. What displays around Peter Obi is AI politics. It is putting something on nothing. Nobody is scared of Peter Obi. He is not a threat to our president because Peter Obi himself knows very well that he cannot even face me, let alone face the president."

Umahi also scrutinized Obi's eight-year term as the governor of Anambra State. He argued that the former governor lacked the moral right to call for President Tinubu's resignation, citing alleged shortcomings during Obi's time in office. "I read where it was said that Peter Obi said Tinubu should resign because of this, and I asked myself: How many times did Peter Obi resign as governor of Anambra State for failure to fix the roads, failure to establish industry, failure to empower people, failure to establish an airport, or failure to establish a seaport? Failure to pay contractors," Umahi questioned.

The Minister further accused members of the 'Obidient' movement, who are supporters of Peter Obi, of being intolerant of differing opinions. He alleged that critics of Obi frequently face insults, threats, and even legal actions. Umahi drew a contrast, saying, "Look at the pattern of politics around Peter Obi. You disagree with him, then he takes you to court. How many times have you been abusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu? How many people has he taken to court? … Look at the Obidient movement. You disagree, they insult people, they wish people de@d, they issue thre@ts and all kinds of things. Is that the kind of behaviour we want?"