Minister of Works David Umahi has dismissed suggestions that the ruling APC is worried about Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 election. He made the remarks while responding to questions during a media interview.
ABUJA — David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has said Peter Obi, the NDC Party’s 2026 presidential candidate, does not pose a political challenge to either him or President Bola Tinubu. Umahi made the comments while responding to a question about whether the All Progressives Congress (APC) was concerned about Obi’s political influence ahead of the 2027 general election, according to remarks circulating from a media interview.
Why This Happened
Umahi’s comments came after he was asked why some people believe the APC is concerned about Peter Obi’s growing political support. In his response, the minister rejected the suggestion and expressed confidence in the ruling APC party’s position.
He also criticised Obi’s political style, describing it as “AI politics,” a phrase he used during the interview to characterise his view of Obi’s approach.
What He Said
According to the interview, David Umahi said:
“Peter Obi can’t even face me, let alone Tinubu. He only displays AI politics.”
The minister maintained that neither he nor President Bola Tinubu viewed Obi as a political threat. As of the time of this report, Peter Obi had not publicly responded to Umahi’s remarks.
Who Is Peter Obi?
Peter Obi is a former Governor of Anambra State, former Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election and currectly the NDC Party’s presidential candidate for 2026 genernal election. He remains one of Nigeria’s leading opposition figures and continues to comment on governance, economic policies and national issues.
Obi enjoys support from many Nigerians, particularly young voters and members of the diaspora, and has repeatedly called for reforms through democratic and constitutional means.
What This Means for Nigeria
The development means political exchanges between members of the ruling APC and opposition figures are likely to intensify as discussions around the 2027 general election continue. Such public statements reflect the increasingly competitive political environment, while voters await official declarations, political campiegns and policy proposals from prospective candidates.
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