Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has said his achievements as governor of Anambra State show that he can improve Nigeria if given the opportunity to lead the country.

Obi spoke in an interview previewed by Arise Television on Monday, responding to his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who said none of the politicians challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027, including Obi, could improve Nigeria.

The former Anambra governor said he improved the state in critical areas of development and could replicate the experience at the national level.

“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 bring greater civility and order to governance, reduce the cost of government, tackle corruption and waste, strengthen law and order, and ensure credible elections.

Obi also pledged to prioritise national unity and security, while focusing government attention on critical sectors including healthcare, education and poverty reduction.

Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election, had advised Tinubu to leave office in 2027 but argued that none of his current challengers was capable of improving Nigeria.

When asked specifically whether he included Obi among those he was referring to, Baba-Ahmed replied, “Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.”