By Becky Momodu
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has launched a scathing attack on former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, declaring that no politician can become President of Nigeria through deceit.
Umahi made the remarks on Friday during an inspection of Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway in Epe, Lagos State, where he accused Obi of failing to speak honestly on critical issues affecting the Southeast.
The former Ebonyi State governor said leadership must be anchored on truth, accountability, and a verifiable record of service, insisting that Nigerians would reject any attempt to attain power through deception.
“One of the things I hate most is deceit,” Umahi said.
Recalling his time as Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State when Obi served as Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, Umahi claimed he was familiar with Obi’s position on issues surrounding the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
According to him, Obi has not been forthright with Nigerians regarding his past actions and views.
“I know his position on IPOB. I know the disagreement between him and Nnamdi Kanu. I know his feelings and the actions he took, which he was entitled to take. But he should be man enough to own those actions,” Umahi said.
The minister further accused Obi of remaining silent during periods of insecurity in the Southeast and failing to openly condemn the controversial Monday sit-at-home order.
“Nigerians deserve the truth. People sit at home every Monday, and he has not spoken against it. He simply wants to become President by all means, and that is not good for our people,” he stated.
Umahi argued that the political leadership of the Southeast has continued to pursue peace and stability in the region while exploring political solutions to the issues surrounding Kanu’s detention.
He also challenged supporters of the Obedient Movement to compare the records of President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi during their respective tenures as governors of Lagos and Anambra states.
“Let us see the master plans each of them created. Let us see the projects that lived beyond their tenure,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, revealing that Ebonyi State had endorsed the President and expressing confidence that the Southeast would remain aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I want everybody to know that Ebonyi is not for the Obedient Movement. Our loyalty is to President Bola Tinubu,” Umahi declared.
He concluded with a prediction that his position would eventually be vindicated, saying, “Mark my words. I am also a prophet and a priest. Mark my words, and it will come to pass by the power of God.”
This angle makes the political confrontation between Umahi and Obi the central news peg, with the highway inspection serving as background context.