By Abigail David
David Umahi has dismissed suggestions that Peter Obi poses a political threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Daybreak on Arise Television on Tuesday, the Minister of Works said neither President Tinubu nor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had any reason to fear Obi’s political influence.
Umahi described perceptions of Obi’s political strength as exaggerated, arguing that they were driven more by public hype than electoral reality.
“Even I cannot be scared of Peter Obi, not to talk about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or our party, the APC. Nobody is scared of Peter Obi. He is not a threat to our president,” he said.
The minister also criticised Obi’s record during his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State, questioning his performance in infrastructure, industrial development and job creation. He argued that the former governor lacked the moral authority to call on President Tinubu to resign over the country’s current challenges.
Umahi further accused some members of the Obidient movement of intolerance towards opposing views, alleging that critics of Obi were often subjected to insults, threats and legal action.
Defending the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, the minister said the government inherited long-standing structural challenges that could not be resolved within three years. He maintained that ongoing reforms were beginning to yield positive results despite the economic hardship experienced by many Nigerians.
According to Umahi, the administration’s investments in infrastructure and other key sectors demonstrate progress, adding that economic recovery requires time.
He also expressed confidence that President Tinubu deserves a second term, insisting that no opposition presidential hopeful has presented a record comparable to that of the current administration.
