Lagos, June 19, 2026 — Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has criticised former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over what he described as his silence on insecurity and the sit-at-home order in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Umahi also accused Obi of deceit and political inconsistency, insisting that credible leadership must be anchored on truth, accountability, and a verifiable record of public service.
The Minister made the remarks on Friday during an inspection of Section 2 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Superhighway in Epe, Lagos State.
“I know his position on IPOB. I know the disagreement between him and Nnamdi Kanu. I know his feelings and the actions he took… but he should be man enough to own those actions,” Umahi said.
He expressed concern over reports circulating on social media alleging that Obi had vowed to cancel President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing infrastructure projects if elected, describing the claim as “painful” and urging Nigerians to reject such a position if true.
“I hope he didn’t say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position,” he added.
Umahi further accused Obi of failing to speak out against insecurity and the enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home directive in the South-East, which he said had contributed to hardship and loss of lives in the region.
“He has not been honest with our people. People sit at home every Monday, and he has not spoken against it,” the Minister stated.
Defending President Tinubu’s administration, Umahi described the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as evidence of long-term planning and national development vision.
“This project… is highly innovative. I only saw it on social media,” he said, adding that ongoing infrastructure efforts would unlock significant economic opportunities across regions, including the South-East.
Umahi also challenged supporters of the Obedient Movement to compare the records of President Tinubu and Peter Obi during their respective tenures as governors.
“Let us see the master plans each of them created. Let us see the projects that lived beyond their tenure,” he said.
Reaffirming his political stance, the Minister declared support for President Tinubu, stating that Ebonyi State had adopted his leadership.
“I want everybody to know that Ebonyi is not for the Obedient Movement. Our loyalty is to President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
Umahi concluded by insisting that his position on national development and leadership accountability would remain unchanged.
