If You Want To Debate With Me, Go And Become Presidential Candidate— Peter Obi Tells Umahi

The presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has dismissed the minister of works, Dave Umahi's invitation to a public debate, insisting that the minister must first become a presidential candidate before challenging him.

Obi stated this during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo while reacting to Umahi's call for a debate following his criticism of the state of some federal roads.

The former Anambra State governor argued that his concerns over the poor condition of a federal road had already achieved the desired result, noting that the government's decision to commence repairs effectively settled the matter.

“First of all, I already started the debate by standing on that road and saying the road was bad. The only reply should have been that the road was good. But I thank him because he is now repairing the road, so the debate is closed. There is nothing else to debate.”

Obi further maintained that if Umahi's invitation was in relation to the presidency, the minister must first emerge as a presidential candidate before seeking such an engagement.

“If he is inviting me to a debate as a presidential candidate, then he has to become a presidential candidate first.”

Drawing an analogy with international football, Obi said only those who qualify for a competition are entitled to participate, arguing that presidential debates are similarly meant for qualified candidates.

“The World Cup is going on now. You cannot stay outside and invite a team that qualified for the World Cup to come and play against you simply because you think you are good. No. There is a qualification process.”

He stressed that debates for the nation's highest office are traditionally reserved for presidential contenders, not ministers or other government officials.

“I am a presidential candidate. Around the world, not all presidential candidates participate in debates. It is usually the leading candidates. It is like someone in Division One asking a Premier League team to play a match. No. You compete within your own level. When he becomes a presidential candidate, then he can debate with those who are in that category,” he added.

Umahi had earlier dismissed Obi's criticism of President Bola Tinubu's administration and challenged him to a public debate on the Federal Government's performance, insisting that the administration's infrastructure projects and political appointments had significantly transformed the South-East.