President Bola Tinubu has taken a swipe at former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi over his handling of erosion challenges in the state, questioning his capacity to lead Nigeria as president.
Tinubu made the remarks on Friday while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a political rally in Akwa Ibom State.
The President, who did not mention Obi by name, accused the former governor of failing to confront the erosion menace in Anambra during his time in office, contrasting his performance with what he described as his own efforts to tackle coastal challenges in Lagos State.
Tinubu also praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for what he described as his commitment to addressing erosion and maintaining political stability in the state.
Speaking during the rally, Tinubu challenged Obi’s presidential ambition, arguing that his alleged inability to resolve the erosion problem in Anambra raised questions about his preparedness for the nation’s top political office.
The President said, “There is one who said he is in one party they call NDC, who is running for president. He ran away from erosion in Anambra State. And he said he wants to be president. Which president?”
He further claimed that he had confronted the threat posed by the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos and successfully contained it, while commending Eno for his efforts in Akwa Ibom.
“I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, confronted the Atlantic Ocean. I tamed it for you. Governor Umo Eno confronted the erosion in Akwa Ibom, and he is working for you. He is stable,” the President added.
Beyond his criticism of Obi, Tinubu also questioned the political consistency and leadership credentials of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He criticised Atiku’s history of moving between political parties, particularly his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that the opposition politician had failed to demonstrate the discipline and leadership required to manage a political organisation.
According to Tinubu, Atiku’s decision to leave the PDP following disagreements within the party and align with the ADC reflected a lack of the character expected of someone seeking to lead the country.
The President said the opposition lacked the leadership qualities needed to govern Nigeria, insisting that Atiku’s inability to resolve internal political disagreements raised concerns about his capacity to manage the affairs of the country.
Tinubu also dismissed smaller opposition parties as lacking the political strength, experience, and calibre of members within the ruling APC.
He cited former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and other party leaders as examples of individuals whose political experience and contributions, according to him, had helped sustain unity within the ruling party.
The President maintained that the APC remained better positioned to provide stable leadership, urging supporters to remain committed to the party.
His comments come amid growing political manoeuvring and exchanges among major political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties seeking to challenge the APC’s hold on power.
The criticism of Obi and Atiku also underscores the intensifying political contest over leadership credentials, governance records, and the direction of the country as political activities gather momentum ahead of the next presidential election.
