Minister of Works Dave Umahi has challenged those who compare him with Peter Obi, asking them to identify what the former Anambra State governor has done better than him.
Umahi made the statement on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Benin City during the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event.
The minister said he considered factors including their family backgrounds, intellectual capacity, records as former governors and contributions to the South-East before reaching his position.
“And when that guy says that Peter Obi is not my match, it took me ten minutes to think about it; is it in my larger family background that his is better than my own? Is it in intellectual capacity? Is it in what we have done for the people of South-East? Is it what we did when we were governors?
“So, when you say he is not a match, put it side by side and tell me what Peter Obi is better than this Dave Umahi. You can’t be tackling counsel without knowledge,” Umahi said.
Umahi also defended President Bola Tinubu and said he would not remain silent when the administration is criticised.
On the question of an Igbo presidency, the minister said the South-East would eventually produce Nigeria’s president but argued that the time had not yet come.
“What we are saying is that it is not the turn of Igbos yet… but it is not yet our turn, it is the turn of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Social Media Reactions
Raphael Chidi: Everywhere they go, Peter Obi…why not talk about Atiku?
Kingsley Nwa: It is now clear that people do not need to remove clothes to be mad
KingDrizzy Diesel: Oya, make two of una use leg waka for Upper iweka Onitsha, without security. I wan check something.
Eze Infinity: David Umahi could be mad and we don’t know
Afoke Tochukwu Praise: What if Dave is actually mad but we don’t know
Ignatius Uzus: Become presidential candidate first
Grace Oluwafunmilayo Ayodeji: When did Igbo people have a mouthpiece
Somadina Okenu: You’re in league 2 while Obi is playing Champions league
Paul Obinnaya: Atiku, Sowore, and others are also running in the upcoming presidential election. I’m curious about why they seem to be focusing so much on Peter Obi in their campaigns.
Chiderah Ugochukwu: Madness is not when people remove clothes it’s not yet Peter Obis turn but it’s your grand father’s turn
Chukwuemeka Johnson: If Obi didn’t win, if Alex Otti retires from Politics, byeq bye to Igbo presidency
We are going to work against any one coming out to contest
Martins Okoye: This one really has ambition to be the president some day
Emmanuel Adoga: Okay sir, please can you test your popularity by picking up a presidential ticket…?
Nrjessesea Elohor: Is it by turn or who can govern well🤦🏽♀️
Evans Okeke: It is not for you to say who is better between you and Peter Obi but the masses will decide that.
Esiogu Gift: Who is doing turn in this era,
