Peter Obi Fires Back at Datti, Says His Anambra Record Can Be Replicated in Nigeria

Peter Obi has dismissed suggestions that he cannot improve Nigeria, pointing to his tenure as governor of Anambra State as evidence of his ability to deliver development if elected president in 2027.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate made the remarks after his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, said that none of those seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election would improve the country.

Obi addressed the criticism in an interview previewed by Arise Television on Monday, where he detailed some of the measures he said he would implement if given the opportunity to lead the country.

“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.

According to Obi, his administration would seek to restore discipline in government, reduce the cost of governance and tackle 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.”

He further promised to tackle electoral malpractice while strengthening law and order and improving the functioning of political parties.

“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,” Obi said.

He identified national unity and security as key priorities, alongside greater attention to healthcare, education and poverty reduction.

“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.

Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election, had made the controversial assessment during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.

“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.

Pressed on whether his criticism applied to all opposition candidates, he said, “Tinubu should leave the stage. All those people contesting against him, too—they were all in bed together at some point or another.”

When asked if Peter Obi was included among those he believed could not improve Nigeria, Baba-Ahmed responded, “Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.”

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