Minister of Works Dave Umahi rejected comparisons positioning Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi as his superior, asserting that no domain exists where Obi surpasses him. Speaking at the 'Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road' event in Benin City on Thursday, Umahi emphasized that their backgrounds, intellectual capacity, and public service records could be equated. He criticized remarks by Awuzi, who alleged the Igbo community had insulted Obi, stating, 'I don’t think any reasonable person will insult Peter Obi,' but called Obi 'a lucky person' for evading scrutiny. Umahi also challenged critics of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that administration members should not remain silent while defending the president’s record. 'When you condemn people, you bring judgment upon yourself,' he said, adding, 'We are not keeping quiet.'
Umahi disputed claims that Obi was not his 'match,' questioning whether Obi’s family background, intellect, or contributions to the South-East justified such a comparison. 'Is it in my larger family background that his is better than my own? Is it in intellectual capacity? Is it in what we have done for the people of South-East?' he asked. He reiterated that 'it is not yet the turn of Igbos' to hold the presidency, countering a claim that 'the Igbos can never be president.' 'That can will not be alive when the Igbos become president,' he said, while affirming Tinubu’s current leadership. The minister also addressed the Benin-Asaba Road project, revealing the federal government would redesign the 136-kilometre dualisation with reinforced concrete pavement after a concessionaire rejected proposed terms. 'Every disappointment can turn a blessing,' Umahi stated, citing President Tinubu’s directive for the overhaul. 'We have defined the project, there is going to be immediate intervention in the Benin Bypass,' he added.
The Benin-Asaba Road, a critical transport artery, has faced prolonged neglect, with Umahi expressing frustration over the concessionaire’s refusal of 'very beautiful options' for agreement continuation. The redesign, mandated by Tinubu, aims to address chronic infrastructure failures, which have contributed to road accidents and economic disruptions. Umahi’s remarks underscored the political and public-interest stakes of the project, as well as the broader debate over regional representation in national leadership. His comments on the Igbo community’s presidential prospects reflect ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s ethnic and political landscape, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections, where Obi’s campaign has gained traction. 'We will one day become president,' Umahi asserted, 'but it is not yet our turn.'
Umahi’s statements highlight the intersection of personal rivalry, regional identity, and governance in Nigerian politics. By framing his defense of Tinubu against Obi’s critics, he positioned himself as a key figure in the administration’s narrative. The Benin-Asaba Road overhaul, meanwhile, illustrates the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, albeit amid controversies over contractor competence and transparency. As the 2027 elections approach, figures like Obi and Umahi will continue to shape the discourse on leadership, accountability, and national unity. The minister’s remarks, while personal, resonate with broader questions about Nigeria’s political trajectory and the role of regional dynamics in presidential aspirations.