‘I Won’t Be Like Buhari’ — Peter Obi Vows To Remain In Charge If Elected President

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has promised that he would personally remain in control of his administration if elected president in 2027, contrasting his proposed leadership style with that of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Obi made the declaration while reacting to Buhari’s record on corruption during his administration. The former […]

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has promised that he would personally remain in control of his administration if elected president in 2027, contrasting his proposed leadership style with that of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Obi made the declaration while reacting to Buhari’s record on corruption during his administration. The former Anambra State governor argued that Buhari was not sufficiently in charge of his government and said he would ensure a different arrangement if he wins the presidency.

“He was not in charge. The difference is that I would be in charge,” Obi said during an interview with the BBC, outlining what he described as a key difference between his proposed administration and the government led by the late former president.

The NDC candidate also renewed his promise concerning Nigeria’s fuel subsidy policy, saying he would restore the subsidy if elected while taking steps to eliminate the corruption he identified as the major problem associated with the system.

Obi said he had consistently spoken about the subsidy issue and maintained that corruption, rather than the subsidy itself, was the central problem that needed to be addressed. He pledged that his administration would target those involved in corrupt practices within the system.

“From day one, I talked about subsidy. Corruption is the problem with subsidy. I will remove the corruption and return the subsidy,” Obi said, linking the restoration of the policy to his proposed anti-corruption measures.

He further stated that corruption could be substantially reduced if those managing the subsidy system and their families were not involved in the alleged diversion of funds. Obi said such a situation would significantly cut the level of corruption associated with the policy.

“If I win, I’ll bring back the fuel subsidy and remove the corruption,” Obi said, repeating his commitment to restoring the subsidy while insisting that corruption within the system must first be addressed as part of his proposed approach to governance.