Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over remarks he made regarding Minister of Works David Umahi.
Bwala’s reaction followed Obi’s appearance on a podcast hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, where the former Anambra State governor responded to Umahi’s challenge for a public debate.
According to Bwala, Obi had suggested that Umahi should first qualify as a presidential candidate before seeking to debate him.
Reacting in a post on his X handle, the presidential aide questioned Obi’s own qualification to contest for the presidency.
“Peter Obi is telling Chude on his podcast that if H.E. Dav Umahi wants to debate him, he should first qualify as a presidential candidate first,” Bwala wrote.
He went on to question Obi’s emergence as a presidential candidate, asking whether he had ever secured the position through a presidential primary election.
“Funny; the Peter Obi, how did he qualify to be a presidential candidate? Did he participate in any presidential primaries? In fact, has he ever participated in any presidential primaries?” Bwala queried.
The presidential spokesman further described Obi as a “miracle centre presidential candidate,” arguing that it was ironic for him to question the qualifications of Umahi, whom he described as a successful former governor and performing minister.
“Imagine a miracle centre presidential candidate questioning a successful governor and performing minister on qualifications,” he added.
Bwala’s remarks are the latest exchange in the growing war of words between government officials and opposition figures following Obi’s recent media appearances, during which he addressed issues relating to governance, security and the 2027 presidential election.
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