Umahi’s  Double Standards: Betrayal Of Integrity And Democratic Principles

By Abraham Amah

In a functioning democracy, the voice of public office holders carries the weight of influence, direction, and national consciousness. When that voice becomes inconsistent, contradictory, and opportunistic, it not only erodes public trust but also exposes a deeper crisis of character. Such is the case with Nigeria’s current Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, whose recent statements have become a study in political doublespeak and shifting allegiances.

In a viral statement just recently, Umahi claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “inherited an economy on life support.” While this may reflect the realities of Nigeria’s economic condition, it is a striking departure from Umahi’s glowing tributes to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Not too long ago, Umahi described Buhari as the best president Nigeria ever had, lavishing praise on him for “uniting the nation,” “transforming infrastructure,” and “showing integrity.” He once prayed publicly for “another president like Buhari” to lead the nation.

What exactly does David Umahi want? Why such an extreme shift in narrative? Is it that he suddenly discovered that Buhari’s policies brought the economy to its knees? Or is it that his new loyalty to Tinubu requires a scapegoat to explain the weight of unfulfilled expectations? These contradictions are not born out of sincere concern for Nigeria; they are the hallmarks of a man who speaks from the expediency of political survival, not the anchor of principle.

For those who have followed Umahi’s career over the last twelve years, this is not new. From his days as Deputy Governor under the PDP in Ebonyi State, to defecting to APC in 2020 after benefiting immensely from the same PDP platform, Umahi has been known more for tactical realignments than ideological consistency. He praised PDP to the heavens while in power, only to call it “corrupt” after he jumped ship. Today, it’s Buhari who is being subtly discredited—tomorrow, it might be Tinubu.

This is the tragedy of Nigeria’s political class—where loyalty is seasonal, and integrity is transactional. Umahi, who once organized elaborate rallies in praise of Buhari, is now disowning that same legacy to endear himself to the Tinubu administration. This isn’t governance—it is desperate survivalism masked as patriotism.

Nigeria’s problems are real. Our economy, infrastructure, security, and national unity require urgent, focused, and credible leadership. They do not need politicians who will say anything, align with anyone, and shift narratives just to stay relevant in the corridors of power. That kind of leadership breeds cynicism, not hope.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be warned—the likes of David Umahi do not serve anyone’s long-term interest. Today he flatters, tomorrow he blames. As soon as power slips from your hands, he will be the first to say you failed the country. Such people are not nation-builders; they are political chameleons who see governance only as a ladder to personal elevation.

When a man speaks in one direction today and the opposite direction tomorrow, he becomes a danger to truth, loyalty, and leadership. There can be no transformation from such a man, no foundation for unity, and certainly no moral authority to lead in any sector of public life.

It is important to note that when Nigeria’s economy truly began its downward spiral under the Buhari administration, Umahi was silent. He did not speak when Nigerians suffered from inflation, currency crashes, and subsidy mismanagement. He did not speak when insecurity spread or when ASUU was on strike for months. Instead, he praised Buhari and called him “father of modern Nigeria.” Now that the heat is on, he conveniently shifts blame to maintain favor with the current administration.

This double standard is not only dishonest—it is dangerous. It creates a false narrative that deceives the public and manipulates history. If leaders cannot own their past endorsements, then they cannot be trusted with future visions. Umahi’s conduct is, therefore, not a slip—it is a pattern. And that pattern must be condemned by all who value truth and leadership with integrity.

I urge the Nigerian people, and especially members of the political class, to reject political sycophancy dressed as patriotism. We must demand accountability not only in policy but also in speech and loyalty. If we continue to elevate individuals who have no ideological spine, we will continue to recycle leadership that thrives on falsehood and deception.

Let the record reflect that the voice of David Umahi has lost credibility. He cannot claim to be speaking for Nigeria when his statements are designed only to appease whoever holds power at the moment. Leadership must be grounded in values—not vanity, and certainly not opportunism.

Nigeria must rise beyond the deceit of those who serve no one but themselves. If we must make progress as a nation, we must choose truth over tactics, substance over soundbites, and character over convenience.

Elder Amah is a Political Analyst & commentator