Umahi Claims Peter Obi Declined Debate Over Record Scrutiny
Minister of Works David Umahi alleges presidential candidate Peter Obi refused a public debate, citing inability to defend his tenure as Anambra governor.
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Minister of Works David Umahi has alleged that Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, declined a proposed public debate due to concerns over scrutiny of his record as former governor of Anambra State.
Umahi, in a statement issued through his media aide Francis Nwaze, said the debate was intended to provide a platform for both men to present their governance records ahead of the 2027 elections. According to Umahi, Obi’s refusal to participate signals an unwillingness to be held accountable. “The proposed debate was not about political posturing but about transparency,” the statement read, as reported by Vanguard News.
Umahi, who previously served as governor of Ebonyi State, emphasized his readiness to defend his own tenure in public office. “I remain open to any forum where leaders are called to account for their actions,” he said, according to The Whistler. The claim that Obi avoided the debate has been echoed by Legit.ng, which reported that Umahi believes the Labour Party candidate is avoiding direct engagement.
The Labour Party has not issued a formal response to Umahi’s allegations. The proposed debate, while not yet scheduled, has become a point of contention in the early stages of the presidential campaign, with Umahi positioning himself as a proponent of political accountability.