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| NDC Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi |
Key Takeaways
Peter Obi has said he will never abuse President Bola Tinubu, stressing that he respects both the President and the office he occupies.
The NDC presidential candidate made the statement at the 2026 All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Enugu.
Obi said political criticism should focus on government policies and performance rather than personal attacks.
He also urged public officials to accept scrutiny of their records, statements and qualifications.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has declared that he will never insult or abuse President Bola Tinubu, saying he respects him as Nigeria’s President.
Obi made the remarks on Friday while speaking at the 2026 All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Enugu, held under the theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.”
According to the former Anambra State governor, political disagreements should centre on policies, decisions and performance, rather than personal attacks against political opponents.
Naija Brain reports that Obi said he has never engaged in verbal attacks against public officials and would not start with President Tinubu.
“I cannot abuse any governor. I cannot abuse anybody in government. I don’t need to abuse people even in federal government. I’ve never abused anybody. Who has seen me calling President Tinubu’s name? Never! I will not do that. He’s the President of the country, he has all my respect,” Obi said.
However, the 2027 presidential candidate stressed that respecting a public office holder does not mean citizens or the media should refrain from holding leaders accountable.
He maintained that Nigerians have the right to question government policies and assess whether elected officials are delivering on their responsibilities.
“But I can argue on other issues, whether you’re doing well, or you’re not doing the right thing. That is allowed,” he said.
Obi further urged political leaders to lead by example, arguing that the conduct of those in public office can influence the values and behaviour of the wider society.
He also called on politicians to be prepared for scrutiny of their records, public statements and qualifications, saying accountability is an important part of democratic leadership.