Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election heated up on Tuesday after Minister of Works David Umahi declared that former Anambra State governor Peter Obi poses no political threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Daybreak programme, Umahi dismissed growing speculation that Obi could emerge as the biggest challenger to Tinubu in the next presidential race.
The minister argued that neither President Tinubu nor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had any reason to be concerned about Obi’s political strength.
“Nobody is scared of Peter Obi. He cannot even face me, let alone face President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi said, insisting that Obi’s popularity was driven more by public perception than political reality.
Umahi also criticised Obi’s eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State, questioning his record on infrastructure, industrial development, job creation and public projects. He argued that Obi lacked the moral authority to demand President Tinubu’s resignation over Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
The minister further accused some members of the Obidient movement of intolerance toward opposing opinions, alleging that critics of Obi are often subjected to insults, threats and legal action.
Defending the Tinubu administration, Umahi maintained that the government inherited decades of structural economic and infrastructural problems that could not be solved within three years. He said ongoing reforms were beginning to produce positive results despite widespread hardship.
According to him, many of Nigeria’s current challenges predate the present administration, adding that economic recovery requires patience and sustained reforms rather than immediate expectations.
Umahi also expressed confidence that President Tinubu deserves a second term in office, insisting that none of the opposition figures seeking the presidency could match the administration’s achievements or ongoing reform agenda.
His comments come as political activities continue to intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, with President Tinubu, Peter Obi and other leading political figures expected to dominate discussions over the country’s future leadership.
