Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, has defended his ability to improve Nigeria, pointing to his record as governor of Anambra State as evidence of his leadership capacity.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra, was responding to comments by his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who argued that none of the politicians preparing to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 could improve the country.
Speaking in an interview previewed by Arise Television on Monday, Obi outlined his proposed approach to governance, including reducing government waste, fighting corruption and strengthening institutions.
“I passed through Anambra State, and I improved the state in critical areas of development. And I can do the same thing in Nigeria,” Obi said.
“I am sure that if given the opportunity, first I will bring civility and order in governance, and I will be able to cut costs of governance, which is irresponsible today. I will be able to do quite a number of things that will bring honour and respect to the country.”
Obi Outlines His Priorities for Nigeria
Asked about the specific measures he would introduce, Obi said his administration would focus on tackling corruption and waste while strengthening law and order and ensuring credible elections.
“I will fight corruption; I will deal with issues of waste, law and order, and rigging won’t take place under my watch; political parties will function, and things will be done properly,” he said.
Obi also identified national unity, security and investment in key sectors as priorities for his proposed administration.
“I will focus on our priorities to unite the country, as it’s not united today, and secure the country. Secondly, secure the country. Thirdly, to ensure we prioritise critical areas of development, like health, education and pulling people out of poverty,” Obi added.
Datti Says Opposition Candidates Cannot Improve Nigeria
Baba-Ahmed, who served as Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party ticket during the 2023 presidential election, made his comments during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.
The interview was posted on Saturday.
“I will simply advise Uncle (Tinubu) to please prepare to hand over and move away, but not to the people contesting against him because none of them will improve Nigeria,” he said.
When asked whether his comments applied to all opposition candidates, Baba-Ahmed responded, “Tinubu should leave the stage. All those people contesting against him, too—they were all in bed together at some point or another.”
Asked specifically whether he was referring to Peter Obi, Baba-Ahmed replied, “Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.”
Obi’s response places his record in Anambra at the centre of the emerging debate among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the former governor presenting his past administration as evidence of his ability to deliver reforms at the national level.
