The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s control over his administration, saying there are times he believes the President is not fully in charge.
Obi made the statement during an interview with Arise TV on Thursday while discussing insecurity, fuel prices, corruption, governance and his plans for Nigeria if elected president in 2027.
Tinubu Should Speak for Himself
Obi said President Tinubu should personally address Nigerians on major issues affecting the country instead of relying on aides and associates to speak on his behalf.
“Sometimes I believe Tinubu is not in charge. All these things that his people are talking, he should be the one talking.
“Nobody will talk for Peter Obi. I will talk to my people,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also questioned the President’s frequent trips outside the country, arguing that Tinubu should spend more time visiting Nigerian states affected by insecurity.
He specifically mentioned Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau and Kano, saying the President should personally assess the security situation in those areas.
“He should spend three days in these states,” Obi said.
1966 Coup Is a Thing of the Past
Reacting to questions about the killing of the Sardauna of Sokoto and events surrounding Nigeria’s past political crises, Obi said he was too young when some of the incidents occurred.
“I was a baby when all these happened,” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians to move beyond historical grievances and concentrate on building a united country.
He said Nigeria could overcome the challenges inherited from the past through “love, unity and progress”.
The NDC candidate also expressed confidence that Nigerians would notice major improvements within four years if he became President.
“Four years, people will see the difference,” he said.
Security Is Nigeria’s Biggest Problem
Obi identified insecurity as one of the country’s most serious challenges, saying the situation has disrupted economic activities and affected both businesses and agriculture.
“Security is the most important thing for Nigerians. It has made it impossible for manufacturers to move their goods. Insecurity has made it impossible for farmers to go to farm,” he said.
He said tackling insecurity would therefore be the immediate priority of his administration if elected in 2027.
I’ll Appoint Capable Security Chiefs
Obi said he would begin restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture from his first week in office by appointing competent security chiefs.
“My first week, I will appoint capable security chiefs. Even if I am going to retain those that are there, they will know that a new Commander-in-Chief has arrived,” he said.
He said his administration would use available resources and modern technology, including drones and satellite surveillance, to combat insecurity.
The former governor also expressed support for state police and said he would not negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom.
“I will do whatever it takes to secure the country. I believe in state police. I will not pay ransom,” he said.
Obi also criticised the alleged use of government resources against political opponents, arguing that such resources should instead be directed towards tackling insecurity.
He said he would not stay in Abuja while Nigerians were facing serious security threats in other parts of the country.
Obi Promises to Tackle Fuel Costs
On rising petrol prices, Obi said he would tackle corruption and inefficiencies associated with the subsidy system, arguing that doing so could help reduce the cost of petroleum products.
“I will remove corruption from subsidy. When I remove it, petrol and every other thing will go down. We are buying fuel at high cost,” he said.
He added that Nigeria, as an oil-producing nation, should be able to manage its petroleum resources in a way that delivers greater benefits to citizens.
‘North Will Celebrate My Presidency’
Obi also appealed to voters in Northern Nigeria, promising that his administration would focus on reducing poverty, improving healthcare and expanding skills development.
“If there is any president the North should celebrate, it’s me. I will deal with poverty, health, skills. I will deal with the North and they will like it,” he said.
He further promised to moderate fuel prices and improve economic conditions for Nigerians.
Obi said his administration would focus on solving the problems faced by ordinary Nigerians irrespective of their region or political affiliation.
Source: Arise TV
