Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said he is more qualified than President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to lead Nigeria, setting out his case as political activity builds toward the 2027 general election.
Speaking at a town hall gathering in Owerri, Imo State, on Saturday, Obi said his competence, personal integrity, leadership ability and concern for Nigerians put him ahead of the two established political figures.
The former governor of Anambra State pointed to his record in public office, including what he described as careful stewardship of government funds. He also cited the 2023 presidential election, in which he defeated Tinubu in Lagos, as evidence that he is well placed to lead a national recovery effort in 2027.
Obi argued that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope programme has not produced the results promised to Nigerians, while portraying Atiku as part of a political establishment that voters have already moved away from.
“I am better than Tinubu and Atiku. My record is stronger. I ran Anambra effectively without taking loans, and I left billions behind in government accounts. Nigerians understand who is capable of managing the country,” he said.
The remarks have sparked intense debate across social media. Supporters of Tinubu and Atiku have accused Obi of boasting and pursuing power too aggressively, while his backers, known as the Obidients, have welcomed the comments and described him as the most credible and capable contender to address Nigeria’s current challenges in 2027.
