David Umahi Dismisses Peter Obi’s 2027 Safety Fears, Says ‘Nobody Wants Him Dead’

David Umahi Dismisses Peter Obi’s 2027 Safety Fears, Says ‘Nobody Wants Him Dead’

Minister of Works David Umahi has rejected claims by Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi that his life could be in danger before the 2027 general election, insisting that no one wishes him harm and predicting he will live to contest—and lose—the next presidential election.

Speaking during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects in Ebonyi State, Umahi described Obi's allegations against President Bola Tinubu's administration as unfounded and unreasonable.

Umahi: Peter Obi Will Be Alive to Contest 2027 Election

Reacting to Obi's recent interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Umahi dismissed concerns that the Federal Government was targeting the former Anambra State governor.

«"Nobody wants Obi dead; it's not just reasonable. We all want him alive to contest this election and watch himself lose again," Umahi stated.»

The minister said Obi's concerns were driven by political calculations rather than genuine threats.

Peter Obi Alleges Harassment by Tinubu Administration

During the interview, Peter Obi claimed that the Tinubu administration had been deliberately frustrating his livelihood and targeting him because of his role as a leading opposition figure.

Obi alleged that government actions were designed to silence critics and suggested that, if given the opportunity, those in power might prevent him from participating in the 2027 presidential election.

He also claimed that some Nigerians now avoid publicly associating with him out of fear of political persecution.

Umahi Says South-East Political Landscape Has Changed

Umahi argued that Obi's confidence in the South-East was based on what he described as the "accident of history" during the 2023 presidential election.

According to the former Ebonyi State governor, the Tinubu administration has significantly strengthened its relationship with the South-East through infrastructure development and political inclusion.

He cited ongoing federal road projects, strategic appointments, and other government interventions as evidence that many residents of the region now support President Tinubu.

«"We have come with visible development in the zone, and our people have now agreed with us that we are better off with President Tinubu to complete the good works he is doing for us than playing Artificial Intelligence kind of politics," Umahi said.»

Umahi Challenges Peter Obi to Public Debate

The Minister of Works also renewed his challenge to Peter Obi to engage in a public debate on the performance of the Tinubu administration.

Umahi said he was prepared to defend the government's achievements, particularly in infrastructure development and inclusive governance, insisting that the administration's record speaks for itself.

Lagos Airport Incident Sparks Controversy

Among the issues raised in his interview, Obi cited an incident at Lagos airport where he alleged that officials clamped his vehicle while allowing other vehicles parked in the same location to remain untouched.

He argued that the incident reflected a broader pattern of harassment directed at him because of his political views.

However, the Presidency has firmly denied all allegations, maintaining that the Federal Government is not targeting opposition leaders.

Political Tensions Ahead of 2027

The latest exchange between Peter Obi and David Umahi underscores the growing political tension as Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 general election.

While Obi continues to accuse the Tinubu administration of intimidating opposition figures, government officials insist that such allegations are politically motivated and without evidence.

With both camps standing firmly by their positions, political debate is expected to intensify in the coming months as preparations for the next presidential election gather momentum.

David Umahi, Peter Obi, 2027 election, Tinubu administration, South-East politics, Lagos airport controversy, and Nigeria politics