‘What Did Your Principal Do as Governor?’ — Umahi Knocks Obidients

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has challenged supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, to compare his record in public office with that of their principal.

Umahi made the remarks on Thursday during the flag-off ceremony for the Babban-Lamba Sharam Road (Phase II) project in Plateau State.

Responding to criticisms directed at him by some supporters of Obi, the minister said political debates should be based on verifiable achievements rather than insults.

According to him, critics have no justification for attacking his performance without objectively assessing his record alongside that of Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State.

“Those who say I’m not on ballot, I’m on ballot. For the Obidients insulting me, let’s be very objective. What did your principal do as governor?” Umahi said.

The former Ebonyi State governor highlighted his political career, noting that he had served in several leadership positions at different levels of government.

“I have been Party Chairman, Deputy Governor, Governor, Senator, and Minister. Then put the credentials of your principal, and then let us see what I did as Governor of Ebonyi State and what he did,” he stated.

Umahi insisted that he welcomes criticism, provided it is constructive and based on facts.

“You have no right to insult me. But if you call on the president, I will call on you,” he added.

The minister’s comments come amid continued political exchanges between supporters of the ruling administration and members of the Obidient movement, which emerged during the 2023 general election.

Peter Obi served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014 before contesting the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party.

Umahi, who governed Ebonyi State between 2015 and 2023, was appointed Minister of Works by President Bola Tinubu following the inauguration of the current administration.

The minister has repeatedly defended the policies and infrastructure agenda of the Tinubu administration while urging Nigerians to assess public office holders based on measurable performance rather than political sentiments.