Peter Obi Denies Feud with President Tinubu, Calls for Focus on National Issues

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has dismissed rumors of a personal dispute with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing that his opposition lies with systemic challenges facing Nigeria—not individuals.

Speaking at a public event on Monday following his return from Rome, Obi addressed public reactions to a recent photo showing him exchanging pleasantries with President Tinubu. He clarified that there is no personal animosity between them.

“I am not fighting the president or anyone else,” Obi said. “My fight is against bad governance, against hunger, poverty, children being out of school, and lack of access to healthcare.”

Obi expressed concern about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, citing alarmingly low health insurance coverage. “Less than 10 percent of Nigerians have health insurance. It should be universal—100 percent,” he stated.

He also stressed the government’s duty to provide free basic education, as mandated by law, and to ensure teachers are adequately compensated under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) policy.

“Teachers should be paid by the government. The law mandates free education for our children. What religious leaders and private entities are doing is helping the government. The government must step up and do its part,” Obi said.

Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Anambra State, Obi noted that his priorities have always been centered on improving citizens’ welfare.

“I was, and still am, committed to fighting hunger, poverty, and poor healthcare. It’s never been about holding a position—it’s about doing what’s right,” he said.

When asked whether his recent encounter with President Tinubu had political undertones, Peter Obi responded, “Interpret it as you will. I’m telling you where I stand. I just returned this morning, and I didn’t discuss politics. I came to talk about educating our children.”

Peter Obiconcluded with a critique of Nigeria’s focus on politics at the expense of addressing critical development issues.

“In this country, we fixate on politics and neglect the real issues. What we should be talking about is how to educate our children and uplift our people,” he said.