VIDEO: I didn’t attack anyone, only asked South-East to vote Tinubu, Umahi

Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has refuted claims that he is attacking supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients. Umahi asserted that his recent statements were aimed at presenting factual reasons for the South-East region to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.

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I saw what they said to me; they have been insulting me, but you know, I enjoyed this honestly, because it shows that what I’m doing is touching them.

In a video interview, Umahi addressed the backlash he received from Obidients, describing their criticism as a sign that his message was resonating. "I enjoyed this honestly, because it shows that what I’m doing is touching them," he said. While acknowledging some reasonable objections, Umahi stressed that his intention was not to attack anyone but to persuade people in the South-East and across Nigeria to vote for President Tinubu, stating, "And I have my facts."

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I say no, I’m not attacking people. I’m asking people in South-East and Nigeria not to vote for him, to vote for President Bola Tinubu. And I have my facts.

The minister also responded to calls for him to debate former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole over an uncompleted federal road project. Umahi indicated a preference for private reasoning over public debate with Oshiomhole, citing their long-standing relationship and shared experience in governance. He pointed out that a road project from Lokoja to Benin and Warri, awarded in 2018 during Oshiomhole's tenure, remained largely uncompleted. Umahi contrasted this with his own record as governor, during which he completed numerous federal road projects without complaint.

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They said I should go and debate with Oshiomole. I cannot debate with Oshiomole; I can reason with him. He’s my senior in governance. He’s also my senior in legislature. And he’s my very good friend.

Umahi maintained his stance, emphasizing that his engagement with the public on political matters is based on presenting information and facts, rather than personal attacks. He remains open to reasoned discourse and debate on policy and governance issues.

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But the road he’s talking about was awarded, you know, that stretch from Lokoja, you know, down to Benin, down to Warri, was awarded in 2018 when he was still in office. You know, I expected him to have constructed part of that federal road.