The works minister dismissed Peter Obi’s claim of threats to his life, insisting nobody wants the NDC presidential candidate dead and predicting another electoral defeat in 2027.
David Umahi, minister of works, has dismissed Peter Obi’s claim that his life is under threat because of his criticism of the federal government, insisting that nobody wants the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) (NDC) presidential candidate dead.
Speaking on Friday while inspecting federal road projects in Ebonyi State, Umahi said Obi would remain alive to contest the 2027 presidential election but would lose again.
His remarks came two days after Obi alleged that he had received threats over his criticism of the Bola Tinubu administration, raising concerns about Nigeria’s political climate.
Peter Obi claim dismissed as frustration
Umahi described Obi’s allegations as unfounded and attributed them to political frustration.
“Nobody wants Obi dead; it’s not just reasonable. We all want him alive to contest this election and watch himself lose again,” the minister said.
He argued that Obi’s fears were linked to his belief that the South-East remained his political stronghold following the 2023 presidential election.
Peter Obi support in South-East questioned
The former Ebonyi governor described Obi’s performance in the South-East during the last election as “an accident of history.”
According to Umahi, the Tinubu administration has reshaped the region’s political landscape through infrastructure development and federal appointments, making the president more popular among residents.
“What he is afraid of is because he said South-East is his catchment area because of the last election, which I call accident of history,” Umahi said.
Peter Obi criticism met with development claims
Umahi said ongoing federal projects across the South-East had strengthened public support for President Bola Tinubu.
“We have come with visible development in the zone, and our people have now agreed with us that we are better off with President Tinubu to complete the good works he is doing for us than playing Artificial Intelligence kind of politics,” he said.
The minister argued that the administration’s approach demonstrated inclusiveness and commitment to the region’s development.
Obi invited to public debate
Umahi also reiterated his willingness to publicly debate Obi on the Tinubu administration’s performance.
He said he was prepared to defend the federal government’s policies, particularly its infrastructure projects and development initiatives in the South-East.
The exchange adds to the growing political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general election, with both camps increasingly trading criticism over governance, development and political support.
Obi has yet to publicly respond to Umahi’s latest comments.
