2027: Peter Obi Promises to Fight Corruption, Says He Will Be in Charge

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has promised to tackle corruption if elected president in the 2027 general election.

Obi said his approach would differ from that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he accused of failing to take full control of his administration.

The former Anambra State governor made the remarks during an interview with the BBC African Service published on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. He insisted that effective leadership would be central to his proposed anti-corruption campaign.

Obi criticises Buhari’s anti-corruption record

During the interview, Obi argued that Buhari could not deliver on his anti-corruption promises because he was not fully in charge of his government.

“He was not in charge. The difference is this: I will be in charge,” Obi said.

He added that his administration would begin its anti-corruption drive with the conduct of the president and members of his immediate family.

According to Obi, leaders must demonstrate personal integrity before expecting others in government to follow the same standard.

“If you are not stealing, if you are not involved, your wife and family are not involved, you reduce it by 50 percent,” he said.

Obi’s comments form part of his pitch to voters ahead of the 2027 presidential election. However, his assessment of Buhari’s leadership remains his own political position.

Obi rejects calls for opposition candidate to step down

Obi also addressed the debate over opposition unity ahead of the 2027 election.

He urged opposition parties to focus on increasing voter participation rather than pressuring one presidential candidate to withdraw in favour of another.

According to him, the opposition should concentrate on persuading more eligible Nigerians to participate in the electoral process.

Obi cited Sokoto State as an example, noting that it had more than two million registered voters during the last election.

He argued that opposition parties should work towards attracting millions of additional voters instead of concentrating on negotiations over which candidate should step aside.

“We don’t need to step down,” Obi said, stressing the importance of voter mobilisation.

His position comes amid discussions among opposition politicians about possible alliances and strategies for challenging the ruling party in 2027.

Obi promises to restore petrol subsidy

The NDC presidential candidate also restated his position on petrol subsidy, insisting that corruption associated with the policy was the central problem.

Obi said his position had not changed, although his explanation of how the policy should operate had generated debate.

“I have not changed on fuel subsidy,” he said, adding that his criticism had focused on corruption linked to the scheme.

When asked whether he would restore the subsidy if elected president, Obi answered in the affirmative.

Also Read: Karl Bushby Returns to UK After 28-Year Walk Around the World

However, he said any restoration would depend on addressing the alleged corruption associated with its implementation.

“Yes, but not with the corruption associated with it. That’s why I said I will remove the corruption and retain the subsidy,” he said. <Cite refs={[“turn342709search1″,”turn342709search5”]}/>

The proposal places fuel subsidy among the key economic issues likely to feature in discussions ahead of the 2027 election. It also raises questions about how a future administration would prevent abuse while maintaining the policy.

2027 election puts Obi’s promises under scrutiny

Obi’s latest comments highlight three major themes in his campaign message: personal accountability in government, stronger anti-corruption enforcement and increased voter participation.

His proposed approach to petrol subsidy is also likely to attract attention as Nigerians continue to debate fuel costs and the management of public funds.

However, the statements remain campaign promises. Their implementation would depend on the policies, institutions and administrative measures adopted if he wins the presidency.

As the 2027 election approaches, voters will have opportunities to assess Obi’s proposals alongside the programmes and records of other candidates.