Peter Obi 'll defeat you in Ebonyi - Chimamanda Adichie Chides Dave Umahi

Following many uncomplimentary remarks that the Minister for Works, Dave Umahi has been making against Mr. Peter Obi, the Award-winning Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has said that Obi is still more popular than Umahi even in his (Umahi's) home state, Ebonyi.

In a scathing open letter in her verified X handle, Adichie described Umahi as a failed engineer whose concrete and cement projects have all failed.

Adichie accused Umahi of political inconsistency, recalling that in 2020 he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the grounds that the PDP had refused to zone its presidential ticket to the Southeast. 

At the time, Umahi described his defection as a protest for the region.

“But five years have passed, no Southeastern has emerged as president, and now you suddenly tell us that it is not yet our turn," she wrote.

In the lengthy post, Adichie argued that Umahi lacked the credibility to vie for the presidency, comparing him unfavorably with Labour Party’s Peter Obi. 

According to her, Obi has come to symbolize reform, fiscal discipline, and genuine concern for ordinary Nigerians, while Umahi is remembered mostly for “pouring concrete” and delivering substandard projects.

She further criticized his record as Ebonyi governor, alleging that education, healthcare, pensions, and civil service welfare all collapsed under his administration. She described the Ebonyi Mall as “a graveyard of failed promises” and the state airport as “still dormant three years after completion.”

“Leadership is not about glittering projects erected on shaky foundations; it is about systems that work—schools that function, hospitals that heal, pensions that pay, and workers who are treated with fairness. You failed at this,” Adichie stated.

Adichie concluded by warning that Umahi could not deliver votes for the APC in 2027 if Obi runs again. “Even in Ebonyi, should you contest against Peter Obi, the people will choose him over you. They will not be swayed by concrete,” she declared, adding: “We will remind you, Senator Umahi, that in 2027 we remain Obidient.”