The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has explained why he would not verbally attack President Bola Tinubu or any other political office holder.
He asserted that disagreements in politics should be centred on policies, performance and accountability.
Obi made the remarks on Friday while speaking at the 2026 All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Enugu, held with the theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.”
The former Anambra State governor said he respects Tinubu because he occupies the office of President, stressing that such respect would not prevent him from questioning the administration’s decisions or criticising policies he considers inappropriate.
According to Obi, political discourse should not degenerate into personal attacks, regardless of the differences between politicians or political parties.
“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,” he said.
Obi, however, maintained that respect for political office holders should not be interpreted as an unwillingness to hold them accountable.
“But I can argue on other issues, whether you’re doing well, or you’re not doing the right thing. That is allowed,” he added.
He also urged journalists and editors to scrutinise political leaders based on their records, public statements and qualifications, arguing that the conduct of leaders could influence the values of society.
“We must, because the leader… the character and behavior of the leader exemplifies the value of the society. And the leader must live it,” Obi said.
His comments came amid renewed political debates over his record as governor of Anambra State, particularly claims surrounding multilateral development funding obtained by the state.
Earlier on Friday, Obi addressed the controversy in a statement posted on his X account, insisting that he did not personally borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State during his tenure.
He said the funding being described as “debt owed by Peter Obi” largely comprised concessionary development-support funds secured by the Federal Government for states selected to participate in specific development programmes.
Obi said the figures being cited by the Anambra State Government failed to distinguish between the total amount approved for multiyear programmes, the amount actually drawn during his administration and the outstanding balance when he left office on March 17, 2014.
He challenged the state government to reconcile its claim that about $123.77 million in facilities were inherited from his administration with debt records published by the Debt Management Office.
According to Obi, DMO records showed Anambra’s external debt at about $18 million when he assumed office in March 2006 and about $30 million when he left office in March 2014.
He further said the figure stood at approximately $45.15 million as of December 31, 2014, nine months after his departure.
Obi therefore questioned how the state could have inherited $123.77 million from his administration when the recorded external debt was about $30 million at the point he handed over power.
He also claimed that he left more than $150 million as the dollar component of his investment in Anambra State and said documents supporting his claim could be verified with the relevant banks.
The former governor said the investment, if retained, could have generated about $10 million annually for the state.
Obi maintained that his administration left Anambra in a strong financial position and said he would no longer engage in exchanges over his tenure as governor.
He said his focus was now on issues affecting Nigerians, which he described as the reason for his presidential ambition.