Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, that his political opponents are plotting against him.
Speaking during an inspection of federal projects in Ebonyi State, Umahi said there was no threat to Obi’s life. He described the allegation as unreasonable and suggested that the former Anambra State governor was frustrated by the growing support President Bola Tinubu is receiving in the South-East.
According to Umahi, nobody wishes Obi any harm because political competition should be settled through elections. He said Obi should remain active in politics and participate in future elections.
The minister argued that Obi is concerned about losing political influence in the South-East, a region where he performed strongly in the last presidential election. Umahi said the current administration has delivered major development projects in the zone, which he believes have increased support for President Tinubu among residents.
He maintained that many people in the South-East now prefer the continuation of Tinubu’s administration because of what they see as visible progress and inclusion of the region in national development efforts.
Umahi also repeated his willingness to publicly debate Obi on the achievements of the Tinubu government. He said he is prepared to explain why, in his view, the South-East should appreciate the administration’s efforts and support its policies.
The minister expressed confidence that the president’s projects and programmes would continue to strengthen his popularity across the region ahead of future political contests.
