Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, does not pose a threat to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Umahi, however, described Obi as his brother and friend, stressing that his position on integrating the Southeast into the mainstream of the country had not changed.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the minister said he had previously advocated political support across party lines.

“When Buhari was there, I publicly asked the Southeast to give Buhari 25 percent while I gave Atiku 75 percent in my state,” he said.

Umahi said Obi was not the only Southeast politician seeking the presidency, noting that three other candidates from the region were also contesting.

“So my position has not changed, my position is that we should have a broad mind. Peter Obi is not the only Southeast candidate contesting, we have three other Southeast candidates that are contesting.

“So Peter Obi is not a threat to APC. Talk is cheap and I’m saying what we are doing. I said what I did as governor of Ebonyi State,” he said.

The minister challenged presidential aspirants to show evidence of their development efforts in their respective communities while holding public office.

“I’m saying any of these people that say they want to rule the country should open the video on how they developed their community when they occupied the position,” Umahi added.