Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has criticised former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi over his repeated use of the phrase, “go and verify,” when discussing his record and public claims.
Speaking in a video circulating on social media, Mr Umahi said he disliked hearing the expression, which has become closely associated with Mr Obi’s public engagements.
“I hate hearing this statement he always makes, ‘Go and verify,’” Mr Umahi said.
Mr Obi has frequently challenged Nigerians to independently scrutinise his claims, particularly those concerning his tenure as Anambra governor, public finances and governance. Earlier this month, he also invited Nigerians to examine his personal, educational and political records and identify any wrongdoing they believed he had committed.
The latest comments come amid renewed political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general election, with Mr Obi emerging as a prominent opposition figure and Mr Umahi serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The phrase has also featured in recent disputes over Anambra’s finances. Mr Obi recently released documents which he said showed the financial position of the state when he left office in 2014, challenging critics to examine the records for themselves.
Mr Umahi’s remarks have since generated reactions online, adding to the wider political debate over accountability, public records and how politicians should substantiate claims about their performance in office.
