NEWS
“Will You Compare the Brain of This Man (Umo Eno) to That of Obi?” — President Tinubu Mocks Peter Obi’s Presidential Ambition, Questions His Leadership Capacity During Akwa Ibom Visit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a direct swipe at the presidential ambition of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership capacity while comparing him unfavourably with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno.
Tinubu made the remarks on Friday during his visit to the Arise Palm Resort in Akwa Ibom State, where he praised Governor Eno for what he described as an impressive demonstration of vision, creativity and developmental leadership.
The President, who was in the state as part of his political activities ahead of the January 16, 2027 election, commended Eno for transforming an erosion-prone area into an attractive tourism and hospitality destination.
Speaking at the resort, Tinubu described the Akwa Ibom governor as a visionary leader and a unifying figure whose commitment to development had helped bring people together in support of his administration.
He also associated Eno with the City Boy Movement, referencing his relationship with Lagos and his capacity to deliver ambitious development projects.
Tinubu said the resort, reportedly developed on 73 acres of land, demonstrated what could be achieved when leaders with genuine commitment and a clear vision received the necessary support.
“The host governor, the courageous man of a great nation, a man with a mission and the symbol of fulfilment and a great diversity of people.
“Umo Eno, Your Excellency, you have a relationship with Lagos, where I come from, so I say that you are a member of the City Boy Movement.
“To other leaders here, members of the National Assembly, the state judiciary, the governor, thank you very much.
“We are at Arise Palm Resort, to the glory of God, which is a product of 73 acres of land that is achievable when honest people are working for their home.
“Umo Eno, you are a thinker and a doer. This is what is possible when a man of great vision is supported, and being the unifier, you have no problem uniting the people behind you. All of us will continue to be behind you and celebrate you. I salute your courage.
“To me, my being here is to enjoy the resort and, speaking from my heart, to ask for your votes in the coming election on January 16, 2027,“ President Tinubu said, praising the governor’s efforts.
However, the President’s remarks took a political turn when he shifted attention to Peter Obi, using the resort’s development and its location in an area previously affected by erosion to question the former Anambra State governor’s suitability for the presidency.
Tinubu suggested that Eno’s accomplishments demonstrated a level of vision and practical leadership that he claimed Obi could not match.
“Here we are at a resort carved out of erosion, and we are going to enjoy life here.
“Will you compare the brain of this man (Eno) to that of Obi? He ran away from erosion in Anambra, and he now wants to be president? President of where? Lilikabu?“ the President said, taking a direct jab at the NDC presidential candidate
The comments added a fresh dimension to the unfolding political exchanges ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Tinubu using his appearance at the resort to highlight the achievements of the Akwa Ibom governor while challenging Obi’s presidential credentials.
His remarks also placed the Arise Palm Resort at the centre of a political argument about leadership, infrastructure development and the capacity of public officeho
lders to transform their states.