Umahi Dismisses Peter Obi Comparison, Says ‘Not Yet Igbo Turn’ for Presidency

Minister of Works David Umahi has dismissed comparisons between himself and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, arguing that there is no area where Obi is superior to him.

Umahi made the remarks on Thursday in Benin City during an event focused on the Federal Government’s intervention on the Benin-Asaba Road.

Responding to comments that Obi was not his “match,” Umahi said any comparison between them should consider their family backgrounds, intellectual capacity, records of service and contributions to the South-East.

He questioned whether Obi had a stronger background, greater intellectual capacity or a better record of service to the region, particularly during their respective periods as governors.

Umahi also defended his support for President Bola Tinubu, saying members of the administration would not remain silent when the President and his government were criticised.

The minister described Obi as “a lucky person” while responding to criticism surrounding the former Anambra governor and his political record.

On the 2027 presidency, Umahi said the South-East would eventually produce Nigeria’s president but argued that, in his view, the time had not yet come.

“What we are saying is that it is not the turn of Igbos yet,” Umahi said, adding that the region would one day produce the country’s president.

He further said he believed the current political period belonged to President Tinubu.

Umahi’s comments come as political activity and debate around the 2027 presidential election continue to intensify, with different political figures and groups expressing positions on regional representation and the next presidential contest.

The minister also spoke about the condition of the Benin-Asaba Road, announcing that the Federal Government had decided to redesign the 136-kilometre dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement.

According to Umahi, the decision followed the failure of three options proposed to the road concessionaire for continuation of the existing agreement.

He said the government had begun temporary intervention on the road while a longer-term reconstruction plan was being developed.

Umahi also clarified that the emergency rehabilitation had not been awarded to any contractor. Instead, the Ministry of Works had hired equipment belonging to contractors operating along the corridor for the temporary intervention.

He said additional equipment was being sourced and that the emergency work was expected to continue over the next four weeks.