2027: President Reacts To Peter Obi’s Debate Remarks, Questions His Presidential Candidacy

According to a report by DAILY POST on Sunday 12th July 2026, the Presidency has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, after he said he would only debate Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, if the minister first becomes a presidential candidate.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, faulted Obi’s position, describing him as a “miracle centre presidential candidate.”

Obi had made the comment during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo while responding to Umahi’s challenge for a public debate on the Federal Government’s road infrastructure projects.

Reacting through a post on X, Bwala questioned the process through which Obi emerged as a presidential candidate, claiming he did not contest a presidential primary before securing his party’s ticket.

The presidential aide argued that Obi should not be questioning Umahi’s qualifications when, according to him, the former Anambra State governor did not emerge through the conventional primary election process.

Bwala also praised Umahi, describing him as a successful former governor and a performing minister, while insisting that Obi’s remarks on who is qualified to engage in a presidential debate were misplaced.

The exchange is the latest in a series of verbal confrontations between members of the ruling administration and opposition figures as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum…....