We Need To See What Obi And Atiku Can Do Better Than Tinubu, We Have Not Seen It yet -Otubanjo

Research Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Femi Otubanjo, has challenged Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to clearly explain how they would govern differently from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if given the opportunity.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Otubanjo argued that opposition leaders must move beyond political declarations and present concrete policy alternatives that distinguish them from the current administration.

According to the professor, Nigerians are yet to hear detailed proposals showing how Obi and Atiku intend to perform better than President Tinubu.

He said: “We need to see what Obi and Atiku can do better than Tinubu. We have not seen it yet.”

Otubanjo expressed concern that much of the current political discourse has focused on discussions about political alliances and power-sharing arrangements rather than practical governance plans.

According to him, “They are not articulating it. They are talking about an agreement about a position they have not even been elected to.”

The professor maintained that what should distinguish political leaders is not their personalities or political affiliations but the quality of their ideas and policy proposals.

He argued that Nigerian politicians often display similar political behaviour, making it difficult for voters to differentiate between them based on conduct alone.

Reflecting on the country’s political landscape, Otubanjo said: “Because quite honestly, all the politicians in Nigeria are birds of the same feather.”

He added that meaningful policy differences, rather than rhetoric, should be the basis upon which Nigerians evaluate those seeking public office.

According to him, “What will separate them will be their policies, their ideas that are different from one another. But in terms of their attitudes, they are all birds of the same feather.”

Otubanjo stressed that opposition figures have a responsibility to convince voters by presenting practical solutions to the country’s economic, security and governance challenges instead of relying solely on criticism of the incumbent administration.

He suggested that a credible opposition should provide detailed plans that allow Nigerians to compare competing visions for the country’s future.

The professor also stated that he had expected more from Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying he believed both politicians had the capacity to elevate the quality of political engagement…....