Nigeria’s political conversation intensified after Works Minister David Umahi criticised Peter Obi over a social media post about a damaged road and challenged him to a public debate.
ABUJA, FCT — David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has criticised Peter Obi for sharing a photograph of a damaged road on social media, questioning whether governance has become “comedy” and inviting the former Anambra State governor to a public debate. Umahi made the remarks while responding to Obi’s comments on infrastructure, according to reports from the minister’s public remarks.
Umahi argued that road construction and rehabilitation involve planning, funding and engineering processes that cannot be judged through isolated images shared online. He maintained that the Federal Government remains committed to improving road infrastructure across the country and said ongoing projects reflect that commitment. According to the minister, the administration continues to prioritise strategic highway projects despite economic challenges.
Speaking further, Umahi questioned Obi’s approach to discussing infrastructure, saying governance requires practical solutions rather than social media criticism. He challenged the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election to a public debate on governance, infrastructure and project delivery. “I saw him snap a bad road. When did governance become comedy?” Umahi said while defending the Federal Government’s record.
The latest exchange adds to a series of public disagreements between Obi and senior members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Since the 2023 general election, Obi has repeatedly criticised the Federal Government over issues including infrastructure, the economy and public accountability. Government officials have continued to defend the administration’s policies and ongoing development projects through public statements.
The development means political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election are likely to remain focused on governance, infrastructure and accountability. It also signals that public exchanges between leading opposition figures and government officials may continue as political parties position themselves for future electoral contests. Official responses from both camps are expected to shape the broader national conversation in the coming months.
