Tinubu accuses Peter Obi of abandoning erosion control in Anambra while claiming to have tackled Atlantic threats in Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used a campaign rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on 6 November 2026 to launch a pointed attack on Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate. Tinubu alleged that Obi, while governor of Anambra State, failed to confront the severe erosion problem that continues to affect the region. Drawing a comparison with his own assertion that he faced the Atlantic Ocean while serving as Lagos governor, he implied a more robust history of addressing major environmental issues.

The remarks were made at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where Tinubu was also inaugurating projects completed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration. Tinubu praised Eno for his work on erosion in Akwa Ibom, positioning the governor’s efforts as a model of effective leadership.

In addition to Tinubu’s criticism, Vice‑President Kashim Shettima also denounced Obi at the same rally. Shettima alleged that Obi had wasted the initial support he received, criticizing him for disseminating false information and inaccurate data while failing to maintain public enthusiasm. He claimed Obi’s political moves—from the Labour Party to the Peoples Democratic Party and now to the NDC—had eroded his credibility and that the candidate had effectively run himself out of the 2027 presidential race.

Background

Peter Obi served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, a period during which the state experienced recurring gully erosion, a problem that has persisted despite various mitigation attempts. Tinubu, who governed Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 before becoming president in 2023, frequently highlighted his administration’s response to coastal flooding and sea‑level threats, framing it as a major achievement. The APC rally in Uyo was part of Tinubu’s broader campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, during which he sought to showcase development projects in Akwa Ibom, including a newly constructed terminal at Victor Attah International Airport and the granting of international flight status to the airport.

Shettima, the nation’s vice‑president, has been a vocal supporter of the APC’s campaign messaging. His comments echoed Tinubu’s narrative, emphasizing that Obi’s shift between parties and alleged misinformation had damaged his standing with voters.

Why it matters

The accusations target Obi’s credibility on environmental management, a key issue for voters in erosion‑prone southeastern states. By highlighting perceived failures in Anambra, Tinubu aims to undermine Obi’s appeal in a region where the NDC hopes to gain traction. The vice‑president’s remarks further seek to diminish Obi’s broader national support by questioning his honesty and consistency.

Both leaders framed the debate in terms of leadership character, suggesting that voters should favour candidates who directly confront challenges rather than those who “run away.” The statements also serve to rally APC supporters by showcasing tangible development achievements in Akwa Ibom, reinforcing the party’s narrative of effective governance.

What happens next

Tinubu’s campaign is set to continue across the country as the 2027 election cycle intensifies. The APC plans additional rallies and project inaugurations to bolster its record. Opposition parties, including the NDC, are expected to respond to the erosion accusations, though specific rebuttals were not detailed in the available sources. The political contest will likely focus on environmental policy, party loyalty, and leadership credibility as the election approaches.