2027: I Improved Anambra, I Can Do Same for Nigeria — Peter Obi Replies Datti

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has fired back at his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, by pointing to his record as Anambra State governor as evidence of his capacity to transform Nigeria.

Obi’s response followed comments by Baba-Ahmed that none of the politicians seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, including Obi, had what it takes to improve the country.

Speaking in an interview previewed by Arise Television on Monday, Obi argued that his performance in Anambra provided a practical basis for his claim to be able to deliver results if elected president.

“I passed through Anambra State, and I improved the state in critical areas of development. And I can do the same thing in Nigeria,” he said.

The former governor said his administration would begin by restoring discipline and order in governance, while reducing what he described as excessive government expenditure.

“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,” Obi said.

He also promised to tackle corruption and waste, strengthen law and order and ensure that electoral malpractice would not be tolerated under his watch.

“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 lists priorities

The NDC candidate identified national unity and security as immediate priorities, alongside investment in sectors he said were critical to improving the welfare of Nigerians.

He said his administration would place greater emphasis on healthcare, education and measures aimed at lifting citizens out of poverty.

“I will focus on our priorities to unite the country, as it’s not united today, and secure the country,” Obi said.

He added that his government would prioritise critical areas of development and work towards improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

Datti: Obi cannot improve Nigeria

Baba-Ahmed, who served as Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election, made his comments during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.

He had advised Tinubu to prepare to leave office but argued that the opposition politicians seeking to succeed him would not necessarily improve Nigeria.

“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,” Baba-Ahmed said.

When asked whether he was referring to all the opposition candidates, he maintained that the politicians had, at different times, been politically aligned.

Asked specifically if Obi was among those he considered incapable of improving Nigeria, Baba-Ahmed replied, “Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.”