Tinubu’s Policies Spark Fresh Political Exchange as Umahi Fires Back at Obidient Critics

Nigeria’s political debate over the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intensified after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, issued a strong response to members of the Obidient Movement, accusing some supporters of attempting to discredit the administration’s achievements.

Speaking during an event in Lagos, Umahi said he would not remain silent while, according to him, critics seek to undermine projects being executed under the Tinubu administration. The minister argued that government officials have a responsibility to defend what they consider the achievements of the current government against political attacks.

Umahi: Government Will Respond to Critics

During his remarks, Umahi said the administration would actively respond to criticism rather than ignore it.

Using political slogans associated with both camps, he declared that if opponents “Obidient” government supporters, the administration would “Tinubu” or “Asiwaju” them in return—a statement widely interpreted as a metaphor for responding forcefully in the political arena.

According to the minister, online content and political messaging are increasingly being used to shape public opinion about the government’s performance, adding that officials must also communicate what they believe are the administration’s accomplishments.

Comparison With Peter Obi’s Record

Umahi also revisited the long-running political debate surrounding Peter Obi and his financial record as governor of Anambra State.

Responding to claims that Obi left substantial financial reserves while serving as governor, Umahi questioned whether those savings reflected the state’s overall financial health. He argued that unpaid obligations to contractors should also be considered when assessing any administration’s fiscal legacy.

The minister suggested that simply maintaining large government savings should not be viewed as the sole measure of economic success if infrastructure projects and other financial commitments remain outstanding.

Umahi Defends Government Spending

To reinforce his argument, Umahi referenced the Biblical Parable of the Talents, saying governments should invest available resources to stimulate economic growth rather than focus solely on preserving financial reserves.

He maintained that public funds should be deployed to address unemployment, infrastructure deficits and industrial development, particularly during periods of economic hardship.

According to the minister, governments should prioritize investments that generate long-term economic value for citizens instead of accumulating idle funds.

Why the Remarks Matter

Umahi’s comments come amid continued political rivalry between supporters of President Tinubu and the Obidient Movement, a political movement that gained national prominence during the 2023 general election through support for Peter Obi.

The exchange reflects the increasingly competitive political environment as debates continue over economic reforms, infrastructure development, inflation, public spending and the overall performance of the federal government.

With preparations for future political contests gradually taking shape, public exchanges between senior government officials and opposition supporters are expected to remain a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political landscape.

What to Watch Next

Political observers will be monitoring whether leaders of the Obidient Movement or Peter Obi respond to Umahi’s latest remarks.

Attention is also likely to remain on the federal government’s infrastructure agenda, as the administration continues to defend its economic policies while facing criticism over the country’s cost-of-living challenges.