By Godwin Akomah
ABAKALIKI — Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Friday dismissed claims of a death threat allegedly raised by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing the remarks as a product of political frustration.
Speaking while inspecting President Bola Tinubu’s legacy infrastructure projects in Ebonyi State, Umahi insisted that no one wanted Obi dead, maintaining that the former Anambra State governor remained free to participate in future elections.
“Nobody wants Obi dead, it’s not just reasonable. We all want him alive to contest this election and watch himself lose again,” Umahi said.
The minister argued that President Tinubu’s infrastructure projects and what he described as increased inclusion of the South-East in national development had weakened Obi’s political influence in the region.
According to Umahi, Obi’s perceived dominance in the South-East after the last presidential election was “an accident of history,” adding that ongoing federal projects had changed public perception in the zone.
“What he is afraid of is because he said South East is his catchment area because of the last election, which I call an accident of history. But we have come with visible development in the zone, and our people have now agreed with us that we are better off with President Tinubu to complete the good works he is doing for us than playing Artificial Intelligence (AI) kind of politics,” he said.
Umahi also warned Obi against what he described as persistent criticism of President Tinubu, saying he would continue to defend the President.
“If Peter Obi attacks Tinubu, I will attack him,” the minister declared, adding that his comments were intended to counter Obi’s criticisms rather than launch personal attacks.
He challenged Obi to a public debate on the achievements of the Tinubu administration, particularly its infrastructure initiatives, and argued that the South-East should support the President in recognition of ongoing federal projects in the region.
“Some people asked me why I’m attacking Obi. My brother, I’m not attacking him; I’m just saying the truth. But he should stop attacking President Tinubu and should support and commend his infrastructure development ongoing in the South-East and beyond,” Umahi said.
The minister further expressed confidence that President Tinubu would remain in office until 2031, saying the administration deserved another term to consolidate development across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
His comments come amid heightened political exchanges between supporters of the ruling administration and the opposition ahead of the next election cycle.
