Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed his views on Peter Obi's presidential ambition, stating that it does not pose a threat to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. Umahi made these comments during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme. He dismissed suggestions that he was apprehensive about Obi's political influence in the South-East region of Nigeria.
Umahi described Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, as his "brother" and "friend". He emphasized that his position on integrating the South-East into the mainstream of national politics had remained unchanged. Previously, Umahi had urged people in the South-East to support former President Muhammadu Buhari during the elections. In 2019, he publicly asked the South-East to give Buhari 25 per cent of the votes.
The Minister of Works also revealed that he supported Atiku Abubakar in his home state during the election. He stated that his position was based on the need for the South-East to participate more actively in national politics. Umahi argued that Obi was not the only presidential aspirant from the South-East, as several other candidates from the region were also contesting the 2027 election.
Umahi stressed that Peter Obi was not a threat to the APC or President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that political claims should be assessed against performance records. The minister challenged political aspirants seeking to lead the country to make their development records available for public scrutiny. He cited his own record as governor of Ebonyi State, where he executed several projects, including the state university teaching hospital and airport.
During his tenure as governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi implemented various development projects. He mentioned the state university teaching hospital and airport as examples of his administration's achievements. The minister encouraged other political aspirants to showcase their development records, saying, "Any of these people that are talking about they want to rule the country, they should open the video to show how they developed their communities when they occupied the position."
Umahi was also questioned about the reported "Rainbow Coalition" involving opposition politicians. He denied any involvement, stating that he remained a member of the APC. The minister described Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as his friend and brother. He emphasized that there was no such thing as a "Rainbow Coalition" in Ebonyi State, saying, "No Rainbow. Even if it is a rainbow or whatever you call it, there’s nothing like that."
In conclusion, Umahi reiterated that Peter Obi's presidential ambition did not pose a threat to the APC or President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized the importance of performance records in assessing political claims. The minister's comments provide insight into the dynamics of Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- Peter Obi's presidential ambition does not pose a threat to the APC or President Bola Tinubu.
- Umahi emphasizes the importance of performance records in assessing political claims.
- The minister denies involvement in the reported "Rainbow Coalition" involving opposition politicians.
