Obi not fit to be Nigeria’s president, says Umahi

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has described former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as deceitful, insisting that he lacks the qualities required to lead Nigeria as president.

Mr Umahi said truth, accountability and a verifiable record of public service are essential attributes of credible leadership, which he claimed Obi does not possess.

The minister made the remarks on Saturday while inspecting Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in Epe, Lagos State.

He also expressed concern over reports circulating on social media that Obi had promised to halt President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing legacy infrastructure projects if elected president.

“When my brother Peter Obi said, as I saw on social media, that he would stop the legacy projects, that was a very painful statement. I hope he didn’t say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position,” Mr Umahi said.

He accused Mr Obi of failing to take responsibility for some of his past actions and positions, particularly on issues relating to the South-East and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

“One of the things I hate most is deceit. I was Deputy Governor when my brother, Peter Obi, was Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum.

“I know his position on IPOB. I know the disagreement between him and Nnamdi Kanu. I know his feelings and the actions he took, which he was entitled to take. But he should be man enough to own those actions and not come before Nigerians and say, ‘Oh, this man did not say anything. He was just talking,’ as though it was harmless,” he said.

Mr Umahi noted that he also served as Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, giving him firsthand knowledge of efforts made by leaders in the region to address security challenges.

According to him, South-East governors have continued to work towards restoring peace in the region while pursuing political solutions to issues surrounding the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

“The governors of the South-East are doing everything possible, and we are supporting them in ensuring a peaceful South-East while also exploring political ways of helping our brother, Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.

The minister further alleged that Obi had remained silent on critical issues affecting the region, particularly during periods of heightened insecurity and the enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order.

“Nobody should joke with the thousands of South-East people who were killed in the process. He has not been honest with our people. People sit at home every Monday, and he has not spoken against it. He simply wants to become President by all means, and that is not good for our people. Let us know the truth. Deceit will not help us,” Mr Umahi added.