‘I improved Anambra; I can do the same in Nigeria,’ Obi tells Datti

Peter Obi has answered his former running mate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed with a simple argument: he has already shown what he can do. As governor of Anambra, Obi said, he improved the state in critical areas of development and could do the same for Nigeria if elected president in 2027.

“

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

Speaking in an interview previewed by Arise Television, Obi said his first task would be to restore “civility and order in governance.” He also promised to cut what he called irresponsible government costs and to take steps that would bring honour and respect to the country.

His programme, as he described it, would focus on corruption, waste, law and order, and electoral credibility. “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 added that political parties would function properly and that governance would be conducted in an orderly way.

“

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 would also work to unite and secure Nigeria while prioritising health, education and efforts to lift people out of poverty. His comments followed remarks by Baba-Ahmed, who served as Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election.

“

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 President Bola Tinubu should prepare to leave office, but argued that none of the politicians contesting against him would improve Nigeria. Asked whether that included Obi, he replied, “Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.”

“

Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.