Summary: Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has responded to claims by his former running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed that none of Nigeria’s leading presidential contenders is capable of fixing the country — pointing to his track record as Anambra State Governor as proof of his capability.
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Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has hit back at his former running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, after the latter made a bold and eyebrow-raising declaration that none of the leading presidential contenders in Nigeria’s political space has what it takes to turn the country around.
For many Nigerians — especially the vibrant Obidient movement that rallied massionately behind the Peter Obi-Datti ticket during the heated 2023 general elections — hearing those words from Datti must have felt like a serious plot twist. After all, this is a man who once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Obi on the campaign trail, promising Nigerians a “new Nigeria.”
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Obi’s Response: “Look at What I Did in Anambra”
Rather than trade words or engage in the kind of political mudslinging Nigerians have unfortunately grown accustomed to, Peter Obi took a more measured — and arguably more powerful — approach. He pointed directly to his gubernatorial record in Anambra State as evidence that he possesses the capacity to fix Nigeria’s many challenges.
For those who may need a reminder, Obi governed Anambra State from 2006 to 2014 and is widely credited with transforming the state’s finances, reducing poverty, and leaving a significant surplus in the state’s treasury — something that remains rare in Nigerian governance history. From improving internally generated revenue (IGR) to investing in education and infrastructure, Obi’s tenure in Anambra is frequently cited as one of the more prudent examples of state-level governance in recent Nigerian memory.
His message was clear: if he could do it in Anambra, he can do it for Nigeria.
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Datti’s Bombshell Statement
Datti Baba-Ahmed’s comments were nothing short of explosive in Nigeria’s already charged political atmosphere. By suggesting that none of the major presidential candidates — a list that includes some of the biggest names in the country’s political landscape — is capable of fixing Nigeria, he essentially threw shade at his own former running partner.
Many political analysts and everyday Nigerians on social media were quick to ask: “If Peter Obi can’t fix Nigeria, why did you run with him?” It’s a fair question, and one that speaks to the growing cynicism about Nigerian politicians — even those who once positioned themselves as agents of change.
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What Nigerians Are Saying
Reactions across social media platforms — from Twitter (now X) to WhatsApp groups buzzing with political gist — have been divided, as expected. Some Nigerians agree with Datti, arguing that the entire political class, including Obi, is part of a system that has repeatedly failed ordinary citizens. Others remain firmly in Obi’s corner, insisting that his Anambra record is proof enough that good governance is possible in Nigeria when the right hands are on the wheel.
One thing is certain: this exchange has reignited conversations about accountability, political credibility, and whether Nigeria’s political class — old or new — truly has the answers the country desperately needs.
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The Bigger Picture
Nigeria is at a crossroads. With rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and a battered naira, the average Nigerian — from the market trader in Onitsha to the okada rider in Lagos — is feeling the heat every single day. The debate about who can or cannot fix Nigeria is not just political noise; it is deeply personal for millions of households struggling to survive.
As political figures continue to trade words, Nigerians are watching closely — and many are no longer willing to simply take politicians at their word. They want to see records. They want proof. They want results.
Peter Obi says his Anambra record speaks for itself. Whether that’s enough to convince a skeptical Nigerian public remains to be seen.
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What do you think — does a gubernatorial record translate to presidential capability? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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