Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for challenging him to a debate.
During an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, the former Anambra state governor stated that Umahi must first become a presidential contender before asking him to such an event.
He was responding to a query on whether he would accept Umahi’s challenge after criticising the quality of Nigerian roads, claiming that the topic had already been resolved because his criticism of a terrible road resulted in repairs.
Obi compared the scenario to a FIFA World Cup-qualified football team being challenged by one that did not qualify, stressing that presidential debates are typically reserved for prominent presidential candidates.
“If he wants to invite me to a debate as a presidential contender, he first needs to become one.
“The World Cup is now underway. You cannot stay outside and invite a World Cup-qualified squad to play against you just because you believe you are good. No. “There is a qualification process,” he explained.
Obi’s reaction comes days after Umahi stated that the former Anambra governor did not pose a political danger to President Bola Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress.