By Jude Opara
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has insisted that he is “on the ballot” for the 2027 presidential election alongside President Bola Tinubu, responding to Peter Obi’s assertion that he is not qualified for a public debate.
Speaking during the inspection of an ongoing project on Sunday, Umahi said his role in President Tinubu’s administration makes him part of the ticket seeking re-election in 2027.
“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,” the minister said.
Umahi’s remarks come days after the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, declined his invitation to a public debate on their records as former governors.
Obi had argued that Umahi should first emerge as a presidential candidate before seeking such a debate.
Responding, the minister said his priority is to ensure the successful completion of ongoing infrastructure projects under the Tinubu administration.
“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 added.
The exchange is the latest in a series of public comments between the two political figures ahead of the 2027 general election.
