2027: ‘I’ll Be on the Ballot With Tinubu’ — Umahi Fires Back at Peter Obi After Debate Snub

Minister of Works David Umahi has reignited his war of words with Peter Obi, declaring that he will be “on the ballot” in the 2027 presidential election alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Umahi made the remark on Sunday while inspecting an ongoing infrastructure project, just days after the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate dismissed his invitation to a public debate over their records as former governors.

The minister explained that his political future is tied to President Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that supporting the President’s second term is essential to ensuring the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.

“I’ve told him that I’m on the ballot. You know, when President Bola Tinubu is on the ballot, I’m on the ballot,” Umahi said.

He added that continuity in government remains his priority, stressing that he wants the projects currently under construction to be completed without interruption.

“Because I don’t want this project to stop. I want it to be completed. So I want all of us together to win with President Bola Tinubu,” he stated.

The latest exchange follows Umahi’s earlier challenge to Obi to a public debate where both men would present and defend their achievements during their respective tenures as governors.

Obi, however, rejected the proposal, arguing that Umahi was not qualified to debate him on presidential leadership because he is not a presidential candidate. The former Anambra State governor said the Works Minister should first emerge as a presidential flag bearer before seeking such a debate.

Umahi’s latest comments appear to be a direct response to that rejection, reinforcing his support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign while suggesting that his own political relevance is inseparable from the President’s electoral ticket.

The exchange adds another layer to the growing political rivalry ahead of the 2027 general election, as leading political figures continue to trade words over governance, performance and leadership credentials.