As political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election begin to gather momentum, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims that Labour Party’s Peter Obi poses any political challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Daybreak Show on Tuesday, July 7, Umahi insisted that neither President Tinubu nor the APC is worried about Obi’s political influence, describing the former Anambra State governor as someone who “cannot even face” him politically.
“Even I cannot be scared of Peter Obi, let alone President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or our party, the APC. What we see around Peter Obi is AI politics. It is making something out of nothing. Nobody is afraid 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 the president,” Umahi said.
The minister also criticised Obi’s eight-year administration as governor of Anambra State, arguing that the former governor lacks the moral standing to demand President Tinubu’s resignation.
“I read where Peter Obi reportedly said Tinubu should resign, and I asked myself: How many times did Peter Obi resign as governor of Anambra State for failing to fix roads, establish industries, empower the people, build an airport or a seaport, or even pay contractors?” he questioned.
Umahi further accused members of the Obidient movement of intolerance toward opposing opinions. According to him, those who criticise Obi are often subjected to insults, threats, and legal action.
“Look at the pattern of politics around Peter Obi. Once you disagree with him, the next thing is a lawsuit. How many times have people criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and how many of them has he taken to court? Look at the Obidient movement. When you disagree with them, they insult people, wish them dead, issue threats, and engage in all kinds of attacks. Is that the kind of politics we want?” he said.
