Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has cautioned the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, against what he described as persistent attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the lawyer lacks the experience and credentials to criticize the administration’s performance. Umahi, who spoke while addressing journalists in Abuja, said Adebayo should refrain from making disparaging remarks about the President and instead focus on building his political profile and contributing constructively to national discourse.
The former Ebonyi State governor argued that President Tinubu has demonstrated exceptional leadership through bold economic reforms and massive infrastructure investments aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth. According to him, “I have listened to some of the comments being made by Prince Adewole Adebayo against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I think he should exercise restraint.
Democracy thrives on constructive criticism, but there is a difference between constructive engagement and constant insults.” Umahi said political office holders and aspirants should appreciate the enormity of governance before passing sweeping judgments on those entrusted with the responsibility of leading the country. “You have not been a councillor, you have not governed a local government, you have not been a governor, and you have not held executive responsibility at any level.
Leadership is not what you read in books or discuss in television studios alone. It is about making difficult decisions in the interest of the people,” he stated. The minister maintained that despite the economic challenges inherited by the present administration, President Tinubu has shown courage by implementing reforms that previous governments avoided. He pointed to ongoing federal road projects across the six geopolitical zones, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, and several bridge and highway rehabilitation projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to national development.
Umahi noted that the infrastructure revolution being witnessed across the country would significantly boost economic activities, improve connectivity and create jobs for millions of Nigerians. “Today, Nigerians can see the difference. Across the federation, road projects that had been abandoned for years are receiving attention. New projects are being initiated and critical infrastructure is being delivered.
These are tangible achievements that speak louder than political rhetoric,” he said. The minister further urged opposition politicians to present alternative policies and programmes to Nigerians rather than engaging in personal attacks against the President. According to him, elections should be contested on the basis of ideas, vision and track records, not through attempts to undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
Umahi expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s achievements in infrastructure, economic reforms, agriculture, social investment and security would earn him renewed support from Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election. He added that the administration remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy and would not be distracted by what he described as “unfounded criticisms from political opportunists.”
The minister called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda, insisting that the gains of the reforms would become more visible as implementation progresses. He said history would ultimately judge leaders by the impact of their policies and projects, stressing that President Tinubu’s legacy would be defined by his commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure and laying a solid foundation for future generations.
