Peter Obi criticises President Tinubu’s record and claims superiority ahead of 2027 elections

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), used a town‑hall meeting in Owerri, Imo State, on 31 October 2026 to launch a two‑fold attack on the incumbent administration and to promote his own candidacy for the 2027 general elections. He alleged that President Bola Tinubu has not spent a single night in Imo since taking office, despite the president having spent more than 260 days abroad. Obi linked the perceived neglect to rising insecurity, poverty and a lack of basic services in the state.

During that same meeting, Obi stated that he outperforms both Tinubu and Atiku, arguing that his skills, integrity, potential, and empathy exceed those of the sitting head of state and the former deputy leader. He referenced his tenure in Anambra State, asserting that he departed with substantial financial reserves and no debt, while highlighting his victory over Tinubu in Lagos during the 2023 general election as proof of his capability to save the nation.

Background

Obi’s remarks formed part of a nationwide outreach campaign ahead of the 2027 elections, intended to rally support across the country. The former governor of Anambra State, who now runs with running‑mate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has repeatedly highlighted the nation’s economic challenges under Tinubu’s administration, including a rising national debt and widespread multidimensional poverty. In his Owerri address, Obi claimed that more than 140 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty and that roughly 18 million children are out of school. Additionally, he characterized Nigeria as one of the most terror-affected nations globally, connecting the security challenges to the wider economic downturn.

Obi’s campaign narrative contrasts his own record with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which he says has failed to deliver tangible improvements. He also dismissed Atiku Abubakar, the former vice‑president, as representing an “old order” that Nigerians have rejected. The town‑hall included questions from participants about vote protection in the upcoming elections, prompting Obi to urge high voter turnout and vigilance at polling stations.

Why it matters

The statements underscore the heightened political competition as Nigeria approaches its 2027 polls. Obi’s accusations of neglect target the president’s credibility in the southeast, a region historically significant in Nigerian elections. By highlighting the president’s absence from Imo and the alleged neglect of security and poverty issues, Obi seeks to sway voters who may feel marginalized by the federal government.

Obi’s self‑comparison with Tinubu and Atiku aims to position the NDC as a viable alternative, especially among voters dissatisfied with the current administration’s handling of the economy and security. The claims of high poverty levels and out‑of‑school children provide a quantitative backdrop that could influence public perception and policy debate. Reactions on social media have been mixed: supporters of Tinubu and Atiku have criticised Obi for perceived arrogance, while his base, often referred to as “Obidients,” have praised his confidence and track record.

What happens next

Obi’s campaign will continue its series of town‑hall meetings and rallies across Nigeria as the 2027 election cycle progresses. The NDC has pledged massive investments in health and education and has called for robust voter participation. The Federal Electoral Commission has not yet announced a definitive timetable for the election, but the political discourse is expected to intensify as candidates vie for support ahead of the scheduled polls in 2027.