The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi poses any political threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the former Anambra State governor lacks the political strength to challenge the President or the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Umahi made the remarks during an interview on ARISE Television’s Daybreak programme on Tuesday while reacting to discussions surrounding the emerging opposition coalition expected to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Political activities have gradually intensified across the country as parties and politicians begin to position themselves for the next general election. Recent developments have fuelled speculations that Obi and former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are exploring a political alliance aimed at presenting a formidable challenge to President Tinubu and the APC.
Reports indicate that the proposed alignment could see Obi emerge as the presidential candidate while Kwankwaso is considered for the vice-presidential slot, a move many political observers believe could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape if eventually formalised.
However, Umahi dismissed the growing excitement surrounding the opposition movement, arguing that the APC remained confident of retaining power in 2027.
According to him, the perceived popularity of Obi exists largely on social media and does not reflect the political reality across Nigeria.
He described what he called Obi’s growing public profile as “AI politics,” suggesting that it was built more on digital perception than grassroots political strength.
“Even I cannot be scared of Peter Obi, not to talk about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or our party, the APC. What displays around Peter Obi is AI politics. It is putting something on nothing,” Umahi said during the interview.
The minister went further to state that Obi was not in any position to challenge President Tinubu politically.
“Nobody is scared of Peter Obi. He is not a threat to our president because Peter Obi himself knows very well that he cannot even face me, let alone face the president,” he added.
Umahi’s comments come amid increasing political calculations by opposition parties seeking to unite ahead of the next election cycle. Analysts have argued that a coalition involving major opposition figures could significantly alter the dynamics of the 2027 presidential contest, particularly if disagreements among opposition parties are resolved.
Despite such projections, leaders of the APC have consistently maintained that the party remains firmly in control and confident of securing another electoral victory.
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State and one of President Tinubu’s cabinet members, has repeatedly defended the administration’s policies and insisted that the government is delivering on its campaign promises, particularly through ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
The minister has often cited the Federal Government’s investments in road construction, bridges and other critical infrastructure as evidence that the Tinubu administration is laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and national development.
His latest remarks also reflect the growing political exchanges that are expected to dominate Nigeria’s political space as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Although the Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to release the timetable for the next general election, consultations, alliances and strategic meetings among political actors have intensified in recent months.
Supporters of the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance have argued that a united opposition could provide Nigerians with a strong alternative to the ruling APC, while APC leaders continue to dismiss such suggestions, insisting that the party enjoys widespread support across the country.
As political conversations gather momentum, more reactions from major political stakeholders are expected in the coming months, with both the ruling party and opposition figures likely to intensify efforts to consolidate their respective support bases ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
