Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has responded to criticism from his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, insisting that his record as governor of Anambra State demonstrates his ability to improve Nigeria if elected president in 2027.
Obi made the comments during an interview previewed by Arise Television on Monday, September 7. His response came after Baba-Ahmed said that none of the major politicians challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, including Obi, could bring the change Nigeria needs.
Obi points to Anambra record
Defending his capacity to lead the country, Obi referred to his time as governor of Anambra State.
He said his administration made improvements in important areas of development and argued that the experience showed what he could achieve at the national 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.
The former governor also said that, if given the opportunity to lead Nigeria, he would seek to reduce government expenditure and improve the way public institutions operate.
Fight against corruption and waste
Obi said tackling corruption and waste would be among his priorities.
He promised to bring what he described as greater civility and order to governance while cutting what he considers unnecessary government spending.
He also said his administration would strengthen law and order and work towards 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,” Obi said.
He further said political parties should be allowed to function properly and that government institutions should operate according to established rules.
Obi outlines his priorities
The 2027 presidential hopeful identified national unity and security among the areas he would prioritise if elected.
He said Nigeria needs to become more united and secure, while also placing greater attention on sectors such as healthcare and education.
Obi also highlighted poverty reduction as an important part of his proposed national agenda, saying government policies should focus on improving people’s living conditions and creating better opportunities for Nigerians.
Datti Baba-Ahmed’s criticism
The disagreement followed comments made by Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party ticket during the 2023 presidential election.
During an interview on the Mic On Podcast, Baba-Ahmed said President Tinubu should prepare to leave office but argued that Nigerians should not expect the politicians currently challenging him to transform the country.
When asked whether he was also referring to Obi, Baba-Ahmed replied that Obi was included.
He also questioned the political histories of some opposition politicians, pointing to their previous membership or association with established political parties.
The comments are significant because Baba-Ahmed and Obi were political allies during the 2023 presidential election, when they contested on the Labour Party ticket.
2027 contest begins to take shape
The exchange comes as Nigeria’s political parties and presidential hopefuls begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu is seeking another term under the All Progressives Congress, while opposition figures are working to challenge the ruling party.
Obi’s response shows that his previous record in Anambra remains an important part of his argument for national leadership.
With the 2027 election approaching, disagreements among opposition figures and debates over the records of potential presidential candidates are expected to become increasingly prominent.
For Obi, the message is clear: he believes his experience in Anambra provides evidence that he can deliver similar improvements at the federal level if Nigerians give him the opportunity to govern.
