Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has defended his capacity to govern Nigeria, saying his record as governor of Anambra State demonstrated that he could deliver similar results at the national level.
Obi was responding to a recent assessment by his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, that none of the major opposition challengers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including Obi, could significantly improve Nigeria if elected in 2027.
Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election, made the remark during an interview with Channels Television.
However, in an interview with Arise TV journalist, Ojy Okpe, Obi declined to engage Baba-Ahmed directly, instead pointing to his record in Anambra as evidence of his ability to govern.
“Well, I can only use an example of where I passed through. 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 Anambra governor said his administration, if elected president, would immediately focus on restoring order and improving the quality of governance, while drastically reducing the cost of running government.
“I’m definitely sure that if given the opportunities, first I’ll bring civility and order and governance. I’ll be able to cut cost of governance which is irresponsible today. I’ll be able to do quite a number of things that will bring honour, respect to the country,” he said.
Asked about specific measures he would introduce, Obi listed corruption, government waste, law and order and electoral credibility among the areas that would receive immediate attention under his administration.
“You know I’ll fight corruption head on.
“I’ll deal with the issue of waste. I’ll deal with the issue of law and order. Of course, what we’re talking about rigging the election cannot take place under my watch,” he said.
Obi also promised to allow political parties to function independently, stressing that his administration would be guided by established rules and institutional order.
“The parties will function as parties. Things will be done properly. There’s quite a number of things that can be done here properly,” he said.
The NDC candidate identified national unity, security and human-centred development as his three immediate priorities if elected president.
According to him, his administration would prioritise health, education and measures aimed at lifting Nigerians out of poverty.
“I will focus on our priorities. One, to unite the country. The country is not united today.
“Two, to secure the country. Three, to ensure that we prioritize critical areas of development. Health, education, and pulling people out of poverty,” he said.
The exchange has brought renewed attention to the political relationship between Obi and Baba-Ahmed, who jointly contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party.
While Baba-Ahmed has since pursued a different political path, Obi is now seeking the presidency on the NDC platform ahead of the 2027 election.
The former Anambra governor was cleared to contest the NDC presidential primary and subsequently emerged as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
