Minister of Works Dave Umahi has said Peter Obi is not superior to him, arguing that their backgrounds, intellectual capacity and records of public service can be compared.
Umahi made the remarks on Thursday in Benin City, Edo State, while speaking at the ‘Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road’ event.
The minister was responding to comments suggesting that he was not a match for Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Umahi said he had considered whether Obi could be regarded as superior based on their family backgrounds, intellectual capacity and contributions to the South-East.
“Put it side by side and tell me what Peter Obi is better than this Dave Umahi,” he said.
Umahi also defended his support for President Bola Tinubu, saying members of the administration would continue to respond when the President’s record was criticised.
He further said the South-East would eventually produce Nigeria’s president but argued that it was not yet the region’s turn.
“We will one day become president but it is not yet our turn, it is the turn of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi said.
The comments come amid political discussions ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Obi among the figures being discussed in opposition politics. Channels Television previously reported that Umahi had also argued that the South-East’s turn had not yet come.
Benin-Asaba Road intervention
Speaking on the Benin-Asaba Road, Umahi said the Federal Government had decided to make an immediate intervention following difficulties with the existing concession arrangement.
He said the concessionaire had rejected three options proposed by the government for continuing the agreement.
According to the minister, Tinubu has directed that the 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba dualisation project be redesigned using reinforced concrete pavement.
Umahi said the redesign would cover the entire project, whether implemented through concessioning or through a takeover by the Ministry of Works.
He added that immediate work would begin on the Benin Bypass.