Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, has defended his capacity to improve Nigeria, citing his record as governor of Anambra State.
Obi spoke in response to comments by his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who said none of the politicians challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, including Obi, could improve the country.
Key Highlights
Peter Obi says his record as Anambra governor demonstrates his ability to improve Nigeria.
Obi promises to reduce the cost of governance and tackle waste if elected president.
The former Anambra governor says corruption, insecurity and electoral malpractice will be major priorities.
Obi says his administration would focus on healthcare, education and poverty reduction.
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed previously said opposition candidates, including Obi, could not improve Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview previewed by Arise Television on Monday, Obi outlined some of the measures he would pursue if elected president in 2027.
The former Anambra governor said his experience in the state gave him confidence that he could deliver similar improvements at the federal level.
“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.
He said his administration would seek to restore order in governance, reduce the cost of running government and address corruption and waste.
“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 said.
Asked about the specific policies he would introduce, the 2027 presidential hopeful said his administration would focus on corruption, waste, law and order, electoral credibility and national unity.
“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 listed national security, healthcare, education and poverty reduction among his priorities.
“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,” he added.
Datti Baba-Ahmed’s Comment on Peter Obi
Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party ticket during the 2023 presidential election, had questioned the ability of opposition politicians challenging Tinubu in 2027 to transform Nigeria.
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He made the comments during an interview on the Mic On Podcast, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye and published on Saturday.
Baba-Ahmed advised President Tinubu to prepare to leave office after the 2027 election, while arguing that the politicians seeking to replace him would not necessarily improve the country.
“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.
Asked whether he was referring to all the opposition candidates, Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu should leave office, but questioned the capacity of those challenging him.
“Tinubu should leave the stage. All those people contesting against him, too, they were all in bed together at some point or another,” he said.
When asked specifically whether his comment included Peter Obi, Baba-Ahmed replied:
“Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.”
The exchange adds another dimension to the emerging political contest ahead of the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, with Obi positioning his record in Anambra State and his proposed governance reforms as part of his case for the presidency.
