Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that he considers himself to be “on the ballot” for the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his political future is tied to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Umahi made the remarks on Sunday while inspecting an ongoing road project, days after the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, declined his invitation to a public debate on their respective records as former governors.
Obi had dismissed the invitation, saying Umahi was not qualified to debate him and should first become a presidential candidate before seeking such an engagement.
Responding to the criticism, Umahi said he had already informed Obi that he would effectively be “on the ballot” 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,” Umahi said.
The minister explained that his support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition is driven by his desire to see major infrastructure projects completed.
“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 marks the latest war of words between both politicians following Obi’s rejection of Umahi’s proposed public debate.
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