Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed Works Minister Dave Umahi’s invitation to a public debate, saying the minister must first become a presidential candidate before challenging him.

Obi made the remark during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo while responding to questions about Umahi’s call for a debate following his criticism of the condition of some federal roads.

The former Anambra State governor argued that the issue had already been resolved, noting that his criticism of a deteriorating road had prompted the government to begin repairs.

“First of all, I already started the debate by standing on that road and saying the road was bad. The only reply should have been that the road was good. But I thank him because he is now repairing the road, so the debate is closed. There is nothing else to debate.”

Obi maintained that if Umahi intended to challenge him in his capacity as a presidential candidate, the minister would first have to qualify for that position.

“If he is inviting me to a debate as a presidential candidate, then he has to become a presidential candidate first.”

Explaining his position, Obi likened the situation to a football team that failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup attempting to challenge one that had already earned its place in the tournament.

“The World Cup is going on now. You cannot stay outside and invite a team that qualified for the World Cup to come and play against you simply because you think you are good. No. There is a qualification process.”

He added that presidential debates are traditionally reserved for candidates seeking the nation’s highest office, insisting that such engagements should be between presidential contenders rather than ministers or other public office holders.

“I am a presidential candidate. Around the world, not all presidential candidates participate in debates. It is usually the leading candidates. It is like someone in Division One asking a Premier League team to play a match. No. You compete within your own level. When he becomes a presidential candidate, then he can debate with those who are in that category,” he added.

Umahi had earlier dismissed Obi’s criticism of the Tinubu administration and challenged him to a debate on the Federal Government’s performance, insisting that President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure projects and appointments had transformed the South-East.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the arrest and detention of Professor Martin Aghaji, describing the incident as troubling and a sign of what he called a growing disregard for citizens’ rights and human dignity in the country.

Obi reacted on Saturday after reports emerged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested the renowned cardiothoracic surgeon before later releasing him and reportedly apologising for the action.

Professor Aghaji, a respected medical expert and former university administrator, is said to be one of the doctors linked to detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement shared on his X account, Obi expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the professor’s arrest.

He alleged that security operatives arrived at Aghaji’s residence in Enugu in the early hours of the morning and took him away without prior invitation or notification.

According to Obi, the 74-year-old surgeon was arrested in the presence of his daughter, who was visiting him at the time.

He argued that such an operation should have been handled in a more professional manner, especially considering the status and reputation of the medical practitioner.

The former Anambra State governor described Aghaji as a globally recognised surgeon, accomplished academic and respected elder statesman who has spent decades contributing to the development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Obi further claimed that after being taken from Enugu to Lagos, the professor was held for about three days before regaining his freedom. He said the authorities later apologised to him, allegedly admitting that his arrest was a mistake.

The former presidential candidate said the development raises concerns about the conduct of security agencies and the treatment of citizens, particularly professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving the country.

He warned that incidents of this nature could discourage skilled Nigerians from remaining in the country and contribute further to the migration of professionals abroad.

Obi noted that Nigeria is already facing serious challenges in the health sector due to the increasing departure of doctors and other healthcare workers. According to him, actions that appear to humiliate respected professionals only worsen the situation.

“The practice of treating highly regarded, ethical professionals – and indeed any Nigerian – like common criminals sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law across all sectors. Therefore, we must conduct ourselves with civility in the discharge of our public duties. A superior and renewed Nigeria is indeed Possible,” Obi said.

He stressed that all Nigerians, regardless of their profession, status or political affiliation, deserve to be treated in accordance with the law and with respect for their fundamental rights.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has announced the death of its Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze.

Akubeze died on Thursday at the age of 69, according to a statement issued by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, on behalf of the Consultors of the diocese.

The statement described the late archbishop as a humble and committed servant of God who touched many lives through his ministry.

It read, “On behalf of the Consultors of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, we announce, with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection, the passing of our dearly beloved father and Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, who was called home to the Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

“Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze lived a very simple and humble life in faith and obedience to the will of God. He impacted the lives of so many people. He was a complete gentleman and a father to us all.”

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria also confirmed his death in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo.

The secretariat described Akubeze as a “unique shepherd” whose leadership combined spiritual growth with the development of the church and the welfare of its members.

The statement read, “Archbishop Akubeze was a unique shepherd who understood that the true development of the church embraces both spiritual renewal and the holistic growth of God’s people.

“Under his care, the Archdiocese of Benin City has witnessed significant developmental strides. He was deeply committed to the welfare of his priests with the conviction that the future of the church depended on well-formed shepherds.”

The Catholic Secretariat also recalled his contributions as a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, describing him as a defender of the church’s teachings.

“As an erstwhile President of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he firmly stood as a pillar of orthodox truth. His voice did not tickle ears but fed souls, bringing to light his episcopal motto: ‘Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati’ (That I may bear witness to the Truth),” the statement added.

The secretariat praised his leadership style, noting that he demonstrated humility and service throughout his episcopal ministry.

“His patient listening and selfless generosity embodied a compassionate shepherd who knew the smell of his flock.

“He demonstrated always by his gentleness and quiet disposition that genuine authority in the church is not measured by power but by service,” it stated.

Born in 1956, Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987.

He was appointed the pioneer Bishop of Uromi Diocese on December 14, 2005, and consecrated on February 25, 2006.