Umahi insists he's on 2027 ballot, challenges Obi to a debate
Minister of Works David Umahi said he told presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress that he will be on the ballot in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that since President Bola Tinubu is on the ballot, he is as well. Umahi made the comment in a video while inspecting an ongoing project on Sunday, adding that he wants the project completed and hopes everyone will win together with Tinubu. This statement came days after Obi declined Umahi’s invitation to a public debate comparing their records as former governors, saying Umahi is unqualified for such a debate unless he first becomes a presidential candidate. Umahi responded that he is already on the ballot because Tinubu is, and that he does not want the project to stop, wanting all to win with Tinubu. The exchange highlights early positioning for the 2027 election, shows Umahi aligning with the incumbent president, and reveals the opposition’s reluctance to engage him on governance records without presidential candidacy status.