The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has challenged supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, to compare his record in public office with that of the former Anambra State governor.
Umahi threw the challenge on Thursday while speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the Babban-Lamba–Sharam Road (Phase II) project in Plateau State.
The minister said he had noticed criticisms from some supporters of Obi and insisted that any assessment of his performance should be based on facts rather than insults.
According to him, he has held several important public offices over the years and is willing to have his achievements compared with those of Obi during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
“Those who say I’m not on the ballot, I’m on the ballot. For the Obidients insulting me, let’s be very objective. What did your principal do as governor?” Umahi said.
He listed the various political positions he has occupied, including party chairman, deputy governor, governor, senator and now minister, saying his record in public service speaks for itself.
“I have been Party Chairman, Deputy Governor, Governor, Senator, and Minister. Then put the credentials of your principal, and then let us see what I did as Governor of Ebonyi State and what he did,” he said.
The minister also appealed for civility in political discussions, saying he had no objection to criticism but would not accept personal attacks.
“You have no right to insult me. But if you call on the president, I will call on you,” he added.
Umahi’s comments come against the backdrop of continued political exchanges between members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of Peter Obi, who emerged as one of the leading opposition figures after the 2023 presidential election.
The Obidient Movement, which grew rapidly during the election campaign, remains active on social media and continues to comment on government policies and the performance of public officials.
Several senior members of the Tinubu administration have, in recent months, exchanged words with supporters of Obi over issues relating to governance, infrastructure development and the country’s economic situation.
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, has frequently defended the policies and projects of the Tinubu administration, particularly in the area of road infrastructure.
Since assuming office as Minister of Works in August 2023, he has overseen several federal road projects across the country and has repeatedly said the administration is committed to improving Nigeria’s transport network.
During Thursday’s event in Plateau State, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure to support economic growth and improve connectivity across different parts of the country.
The Babban-Lamba–Sharam Road project is expected to improve transportation for residents, ease the movement of agricultural produce and enhance economic activities in Plateau State and neighbouring communities.
Road infrastructure has remained one of the major priorities of the Tinubu administration, with the Federal Government embarking on the rehabilitation and construction of several highways across the country.
The administration has argued that improved road networks will reduce travel time, lower transportation costs and support national development.
Umahi has consistently maintained that infrastructure projects should be assessed based on results rather than political affiliations.
His latest remarks, however, shifted attention from the road project to the ongoing political rivalry between the APC and the Obidient Movement.
Peter Obi served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014 and has often highlighted his record in education, healthcare, fiscal discipline and savings during his time in office.
His supporters regularly cite those achievements in defending his leadership credentials and promoting his vision for Nigeria.
On the other hand, Umahi, who governed Ebonyi State between 2015 and 2023 before becoming a minister, has repeatedly pointed to the road, bridge and flyover projects executed during his administration as evidence of his performance.
Although Umahi’s comments have generated reactions on social media, neither Peter Obi nor the Obidient Movement had officially responded as of the time of filing this report.