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Peter Obi says his performance as Anambra governor is proof he has the experience and capacity to transform Nigeria if elected president in 2027.
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The former Labour Party presidential candidate vows to cut the cost of governance, tackle corruption, strengthen law and order and guarantee credible elections.
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Obi’s comments come as a direct response to his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who claimed no opposition politician, including Obi, can improve Nigeria.
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The exchange signals fresh cracks within the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election as political realignments continue to gather momentum.
September 07, (THEWILL) — Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has declared that his track record in office proves he has the competence and leadership capacity to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges if elected president.
Obi, speaking in a preview of an interview with ARISE Television aired on Monday, said his administration in Anambra delivered measurable progress in key sectors and demonstrated the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently needs.
“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 declared.
The former governor said Nigeria requires disciplined and responsible leadership that prioritises citizens over the interests of political office holders. He accused the current system of running an expensive and wasteful government and promised to reverse the trend if elected president.
The former governor said Nigeria requires disciplined and responsible leadership that prioritises citizens over the interests of political office holders. He accused the current system of running an expensive and wasteful government and promised to reverse the trend if elected president.
“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”, he said.
Obi outlined what he described as the core pillars of his proposed administration, promising an aggressive fight against corruption, prudent management of public resources, stronger law enforcement and an electoral process free from manipulation.
“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 stated.
He also said rebuilding national unity and improving security would be immediate priorities, alongside investments in healthcare, education and programmes aimed at lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
“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.
Obi’s comments were a direct response to Baba-Ahmed’s remarks during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate dismissed the entire opposition as incapable of offering Nigeria a better future.
Baba-Ahmed said President Bola Tinubu should prepare to leave office after his tenure but argued that those seeking to replace him were no better.
“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 Peter Obi was included in that assessment, Baba-Ahmed responded: “Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
