Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has said he can replicate the development recorded during his tenure in the state if elected president in 2027.
Obi spoke after his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, said none of the politicians challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, including Obi, could improve Nigeria.
In an interview previewed by Arise Television on Monday, Obi outlined his plans to restore order in governance, reduce the cost of administration and tackle corruption and waste.
“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.
He said his administration would prioritise civility and order in governance while reducing what he described as irresponsible government spending.
“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 said he would also fight corruption, strengthen law and order and ensure credible elections.
“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 said.
He added that his administration would focus on uniting the country, improving security and addressing critical areas such as 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,” Obi said.
Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election, made his remarks during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye and published on Saturday.
“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.
When asked whether he was referring to all opposition candidates, he said Tinubu should leave office because those challenging him had, at different times, been “in bed together” with him.
Asked specifically if he was referring to Obi, Baba-Ahmed replied: “Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.”