Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has responded to former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi by asserting that it is "not the turn of the Igbos yet" to produce the country’s president. Umahi made the remarks in Benin while defending the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against ongoing criticism regarding its performance and record.
The minister stated that he was compelled to evaluate Obi’s track record after hearing the former governor described as "not my match." Umahi challenged this characterization, asking listeners to compare their respective backgrounds, intellectual credentials, and service records. "So, when you say he’s not my match, put it side by side and tell me what Peter Obi is better than this," Umahi said, questioning whether Obi had a stronger family background or a more significant contribution to the South-East region.
"When that guy says that Peter Obi is not my match, it took me 10 minutes to think about it," the minister said.
Addressing the long-standing political aspiration of the South-East geopolitical zone to hold the presidency, Umahi maintained that while the region would eventually have its opportunity, the current political moment belongs to President Tinubu. "I want to be president, but it’s not yet our turn. It’s the turn of President Bola Tinubu," he declared, adding that political opportunities would arrive "at the time of God" when all things are made beautiful.
Umahi also rejected what he described as attempts to portray the federal government negatively, arguing that ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly road interventions, are benefiting communities across the nation. He urged supporters of the administration to defend the president’s achievements, stating that Tinubu has performed well in the South-South, South-East, and other parts of the country.
"We are saying that the president has done very well. In South-South, in South-East and in the entire geopolitical zone, he deserves continuity, he deserves support," Umahi concluded, emphasizing the need for continued backing of the current administration’s policies and projects.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
