Umahi claims Obi declined debate, saying he can't match his record

Minister of Works David Umahi said on Sunday that presidential candidate Peter Obi turned down his invitation to a public debate because Obi knew he could not defend his record against Umahi’s record in office. Speaking through his media aide Francis Nwaze, Umahi said the challenge was never about electoral status but about accountability, inviting two former governors to show whose administration delivered greater results. Obi had earlier dismissed the invitation, arguing that presidential debates are meant for presidential candidates, not individuals not running for president. Both men served two terms as governors—Obi of Anambra State and Umahi of Ebonyi State. Umahi argued that if governance is measured by performance, political ambition should not block an honest comparison of records. The exchange highlights a growing debate over how to evaluate leaders’ track records ahead of the 2027 elections.

What metrics should Nigerians use to judge former governors’ performance, and would a public debate help voters decide whose record stands stronger?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/13/why-peter-obi-refused-to-debate-with-me-umahi/