Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed claims by his former running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, that he lacks the capacity to fix Nigeria if elected president in 2027.

Baba-Ahmed had said that none of the leading presidential candidates in the 2027 election could fix the country, including Obi, who was his principal in the 2023 presidential election.

However, speaking on Arise News, Obi said his record as governor of Anambra State demonstrated his ability to deliver meaningful development and effective governance.

According to him, if elected president, he would reduce the cost of governance, tackle corruption and waste, strengthen law and order, and restore civility to public administration.

“As a governor, I was able to improve Anambra State in critical areas of development, and I can do the same in Nigeria. I’m definitely sure that if given the opportunity, first, I’ll bring civility in governance. I’ll be able to cut the cost of governance,” Obi said.

He added that his administration would pursue policies capable of restoring Nigeria’s dignity and improving the welfare of citizens.

“You know I fight corruption and issues of waste. I’ve dealt with issues of law and order,” he said.

On the conduct of elections, Obi said electoral malpractice would not be tolerated under his watch, promising to ensure that political parties operate properly and that democratic processes are respected.

He identified national unity, security, healthcare, education and poverty reduction as key priorities of his proposed administration.

“One, to unite the country. The country is not united today. Two, to secure the country. Three, to ensure that we prioritise critical areas of development, health, education and pulling people out of poverty,” Obi said.