Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for 2027 and a former Anambra State governor, has responded to Datti Baba-Ahmed’s criticism that he cannot fix Nigeria because he belongs to the political class that made the country what it is.
In an interview with Arise TV on Monday, Mr Obi said he would improve Nigeria as he did as Anambra State governor.
“I’ve passed through Anambra State, and I improved the state in critical areas of development. I can do the same thing in Nigeria if given the opportunity,” Mr Obi said when asked to respond to Mr Baba-Ahmed’s criticisms.
Explaining what he plans to do if elected as president, Mr Obi said, “I bring civility and order in governance; I’ll cut the cost of governance; I’ll be able to do a number of things that will bring honour and respect to the country.”
“I’ll fight corruption. I’ll deal with the issue of law and order. Of course, election rigging cannot happen under my watch.”
The former governor also promised to prioritise development in critical sectors, including “health, education and pulling people out of poverty.”
Mr Obi’s statement comes as a response to Mr Baba-Ahmed, his Labour Party running mate in the 2023 presidential election, who said none of the candidates contesting against President Bola Tinubu, including Mr Obi, can improve the country.
“I will simply advise uncle (Tinubu) to please prepare to hand over and move away, but not to the people contesting against him. Tinubu should leave the stage,” Mr Baba-Ahmed said.
“None of them will improve Nigeria. All those people contesting against him too were all in bed together at some point or another — including Peter Obi. At some point, he was in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Tell me one politician who has never been in a ruling party. I’m the one. Have I ever been in a ruling party?” I have never been in a ruling party. When I was in CPC (Congress for Progressive Change), it was a little opposition party. I never had an APC (All Progressives Congress) membership card,” he added.