Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has come under intense fire from Nigerians on social media following his remarks targeting former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who recently delivered a speech at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.
Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, spoke on “Politics and Change in Nigeria,” where he blamed Nigeria’s developmental stagnation on poor political leadership. Using historical data and international benchmarks, Obi compared Nigeria’s economic and social progress with that of China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
“Nigeria once had a higher GDP per capita than China and Vietnam. Today, we’ve fallen far behind due to a failure of leadership,” Obi stated in his speech.
You May Also Want to Read: Peter Obi Donates ₦10 Million to College of Nursing Sciences, Mbano.
Sanwo-Olu Fires Back.
Governor Sanwo-Olu responded with a strongly-worded statement titled “Factually Addressing Mr. Peter Obi’s Criticism of Nigeria,” accusing Obi of demarketing Nigeria on an international platform.
“When leaders travel abroad, they have a duty to promote Nigeria—not attack her image,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“Peter Obi did not build a single school or standalone hospital during his tenure. Yet, he criticizes the current administration that has made strides in education and poverty reduction.”
Sanwo-Olu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s record, citing the construction of over 200 schools, implementation of student loan schemes, and provision of $500 million in credit to small businesses in less than two years.
He also questioned Obi’s economic record, claiming poverty in Anambra rose from 41.4% to 53.7% under his leadership, while his successor later reduced it to 14.8%.
You May Also Want to Read: Nigeria Bleeds While Tinubu Retreats Abroad – Peter Obi.
Social Media Reactions: Nigerians Defend Peter Obi.
Sanwo-Olu’s comments quickly sparked outrage online. Many Nigerians took to Twitter (X) to defend Peter Obi, challenge the governor’s claims, and accuse him of hypocrisy.
@Ugo_eze_: “Ambode said you should be in YabaLeft. This must be one of your psychotic episodes.”
@Ohida04: “Sanwo-Olu, building structures isn’t development. Obi’s educational and health systems in Anambra were top-tier. You know this.”
@Chief_Ajiji: “Peter Obi is clearly living rent-free in your head. What’s more damaging than electing a drug-linked man as president?”
You May Also Want to Read: Peter Obi Donates ₦30 Million to Paul University, Reaffirms Commitment to Education.
Some users highlighted inconsistencies in Sanwo-Olu’s statement, pointing to Obi’s significant education funding, including a well-known ₦5 billion donation to Anambra schools during his tenure.
Others saw the attack as politically motivated ahead of the 2027 elections, with many asserting that Obi remains a threat to the ruling party.
@GIbadin: “This coordinated attack on Obi is because APC knows he won in 2023. You’re trying to dim his light before 2027.”
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What’s at Stake?
The public dispute reflects deeper political divisions in Nigeria and raises critical questions about freedom of speech, accountability, and national image management.
Supporters view Obi’s global advocacy as a call for reform, while critics argue it undermines national interests.
You Also Want to Read: Peter Obi Donates ₦20 Million to Support Education for Orphans in Kafanchan.
A Clash of Leadership Legacies.
As Nigeria approaches the next election cycle, tensions between past and present political figures are reaching new heights. With Peter Obi gaining global visibility and Governor Sanwo-Olu defending the ruling administration, the political battlefield is shifting — both online and off.
