Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed calls by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for a public debate, insisting that only fellow presidential candidates are qualified to engage him on such a platform.

Obi made the remarks during an interview while responding to Umahi’s challenge following their recent exchange over the condition of federal roads.

According to the former Anambra State governor, his criticism of the state of a federal road had already sparked the necessary response from the minister.

“I started the debate the day I stood on that road and said it was bad. The proper response should have been to say the road was good, but instead, it is now being repaired. So, as far as I’m concerned, that debate is over,” Obi said.

He maintained that if Umahi wished to debate him as a presidential contender, he must first secure a presidential ticket.

Drawing an analogy with football, Obi said it would be inappropriate for someone outside a competition to challenge participants already at the highest level.

“The World Cup is going on. You don’t stay outside the tournament and invite one of the teams playing at the World Cup to come and play with you because you think you are good,” he said.

“There is a qualification. I’m a presidential candidate. It is like a Division One club asking a Premier League club to a match. You compete within your level. When he becomes a presidential candidate, those in that category can debate with him.”

Umahi’s accusations

The exchange comes after Umahi accused Obi of engaging in what he described as “AI politics” and dismissed the former governor’s claims that his businesses were being frustrated and that he had received death threats.

The disagreement between the two political figures follows recent public exchanges over infrastructure, governance and the political climate ahead of the 2027 general election.