Peter Obi says he respects Tinubu, will keep criticism focused on policies

Peter Obi has said he will not resort to personal insults against President Bola Tinubu, stressing that his political disagreements with the President will remain focused on policies and government performance.

Obi made the remarks on Friday at the 2026 All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Enugu, themed “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.”

The former Anambra State governor said he believes public officials should be treated with respect even when their decisions are being challenged.

He said Tinubu, as President of Nigeria, has his respect and maintained that he would not personally abuse him.

At the same time, Obi argued that showing respect to public officials should not prevent Nigerians and journalists from questioning government decisions, policies and performance.

He called for political discussions to focus more on records, qualifications, governance outcomes and accountability rather than personal attacks.

Obi also argued that the behaviour and character of political leaders could influence broader social values and urged journalists to continue scrutinising those seeking or holding public office.

His remarks came during the same conference where he addressed the ongoing debate over Anambra State’s debt profile and defended his record as governor