Obi Fires Back at Datti: I Transformed Anambra, I Can Transform Nigeria

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pushed back against his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, over claims that he lacks the capacity to transform Nigeria if elected president in 2027, insisting that his record as governor of Anambra State provides evidence of what he could accomplish nationally.

Obi said his years in Anambra demonstrated his ability to deliver improvements in critical areas of development, arguing that the same approach could be replicated at the federal level.

Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Obi on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election, had recently argued during an interview on Channels Television that none of the leading opposition figures seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, including Obi, possessed the capacity to transform the country.

Responding during an interview with Arise TV journalist Ojy Okpe, Obi avoided a direct confrontation with his former political partner and instead invited Nigerians to judge him by his record in public office.

“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 outlined a broad governance agenda centred on fiscal discipline, reduction of waste, anti-corruption measures, law and order, electoral integrity, and stronger political institutions.

He described the present cost of governance as “irresponsible,” promising that a government headed by him would cut unnecessary expenditure and restore what he described as civility, order, and accountability to public administration.

“I’ll bring civility and order and governance. I’ll be able to cut the 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.

Pressed on the specific measures he would pursue, Obi identified corruption and government waste as major problems requiring immediate attention.

“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,” he said.

Obi also pledged to confront electoral malpractice, declaring that manipulation of elections would not be tolerated under his presidency.

“What we’re talking about, rigging the election, cannot take place under my watch,” he said.

According to the NDC presidential candidate, political institutions would also be allowed to operate independently and according to established rules rather than being subordinated to the interests of those in power.

“The parties will function as parties. Things will be done properly. There’s quite a number of things that can be done here properly,” Obi said.

Beyond institutional reforms, Obi identified national unity, security, and human development as three immediate priorities of his proposed administration.

He argued that Nigeria remained deeply divided and said his first task would be to rebuild national cohesion before tackling insecurity and directing greater resources towards education, healthcare, and poverty reduction.

“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 prioritise critical areas of development—health, education, and pulling people out of poverty,” he said.

The disagreement marks a notable turn in the political relationship between Obi and Baba-Ahmed, who campaigned together across the country as presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Labour Party in the 2023 election.

Their political paths have since diverged as alignments shift ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, with Baba-Ahmed distancing himself politically from his former running mate.

Obi, meanwhile, is pursuing another presidential bid on the platform of the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress earlier in 2026. He subsequently secured the NDC presidential ticket for the 2027 election.