Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has endorsed Pastor Enoch Adeboye's assertion that President Bola Tinubu has done his best regarding insecurity, but immediately questioned whether that best is adequate for Nigeria's needs. Obi made the remarks during a YouTube interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, published on Thursday, July 10, 2026.
Obi on Adeboye's Defense of Tinubu
When asked about the Redeemed Christian Church of God General Overseer's comments, Obi stated he had no quarrel with what Adeboye said. Speaking at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala in Washington, D.C., on June 23, Adeboye argued that accusing Tinubu of inaction on security was unfair because a commander-in-chief fulfills his duty by issuing orders to the military, according to Vanguard.
Obi affirmed that Adeboye was correct in saying the President had tried his best, but immediately reframed the issue: "Somebody asked me yesterday, they said that Pastor Adeboye said Tinubu has tried his best and he's not happy. And I said, no, Pastor Adeboye remains a very revered, respected religious father, whom I believe in his genuineness and goodness. And what he said was correct. He said he has tried his best. He's trying his best. That's it. It's the correct answer. The question to ask is: Is his best good enough? Where we find ourselves today, that leads to the issue of capacity."
What Nigeria Needs, According to Obi
Obi contended that effective leadership is defined by five qualities: competence, capacity, compassion, commitment, and character. He said the country's deteriorating security situation was evidence that those qualities were absent at the top. "When I talk about leadership, I say competence, capacity, compassion, commitment, character. These are the issues. President Tinubu is tired. He needs to go home and rest," Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians to compare his past performance with his current proposals for the country, arguing that his record as governor demonstrates the leadership Nigeria needs. He also called on voters to back him over other opposition candidates, citing his experience and vision.
Adeboye's Concerns on Insecurity
Adeboye, while defending Tinubu at the Washington gala, also expressed alarm over the spread of terrorism and kidnapping from northern Nigeria into the South. The cleric said he had privately advised the President to set a 90-day deadline for military commanders to halt the violence or resign, and called on the government to prosecute known sponsors of terrorism. These remarks generated widespread reactions from Nigerians across political divides.
Obi Speaks on Possible Death Threats
In the same interview, Obi raised the alarm that he was being targeted by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, describing his current dilemma as a personal cost for being in the opposition. He did not provide specific evidence but reiterated his commitment to contesting the 2027 election despite perceived threats.
Obi's comments come amid heightened political tensions as the 2027 election cycle approaches. The NDC candidate continues to position himself as a viable alternative to the ruling APC, emphasizing the need for leadership with competence and character to address Nigeria's challenges.
