Nigeria's political arguments have taken another interesting turn after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, questioned why former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi should be considered politically superior to other prominent leaders in the country.

What Umahi said

In remarks attributed to him, Umahi reportedly asked a direct question: "Who is Peter Obi better than? Is he better than me? Is he better than Anyim Pius Anyim?"

The comments have brought an old political argument back into focus, particularly in the South-East, where debates about leadership, political experience and who deserves national support continue to divide opinion.

The three men

Umahi is a former governor of Ebonyi State and now serves as Minister of Works. Anyim Pius Anyim is a former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Both have held important positions in Nigeria.

Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party's presidential candidate in 2023, has built a strong following, particularly among young Nigerians who see him as an alternative to the traditional political establishment.

What makes one politician better than another?

Umahi's reported remarks raise a fair question. Is it the number of offices someone has held? The projects completed while in government? Or should Nigerians judge leaders by their integrity, performance, accountability and ability to improve ordinary people's lives?

All three men have political records that Nigerians can examine, and perhaps that is where the real argument should begin.

Rather than letting politicians decide who is superior through public arguments, Nigerians should be the ones examining their achievements and deciding who deserves their confidence.

Over to you

Between Peter Obi, David Umahi and Pius Anyim, who has shown the kind of leadership Nigeria needs today? Share your thoughts on their records, achievements and political contributions.

The Emir of Kano and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged President Bola Tinubu's government to listen to concerns about poverty rather than treating critics as enemies.

What he said

Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank conference convened by former World Bank vice-president Arunma Oteh, in comments reported on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Sanusi reportedly said the government's habit of issuing statements from the Presidential Villa to condemn people who raise economic concerns was counterproductive. He argued that citizens who talk about poverty are not attacking the President personally, and that the government should distinguish between criticism and hostility.

On the economy

Sanusi also said Nigeria was dangerously close to economic collapse in 2023 and on the verge of hyperinflation, a view he said he had held and expressed at the time. His comments suggest he sees the need for reform, while insisting that the hardship many people feel should be acknowledged.

Background

Sanusi was CBN governor from 2009 to 2014 and is a well-known commentator on the economy. He was reinstated as Emir of Kano in 2024. The Tinubu government removed the petrol subsidy and unified exchange rates in 2023, and says these moves rescued the economy, pointing to falling inflation and rising reserves. Critics, including investment banker Atedo Peterside this week, say the poor have become poorer. Presidency officials have often responded sharply to such criticism, accusing some critics of playing politics ahead of 2027.

What happens next

The Presidency had not responded to Sanusi's comments at the time of reporting.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has sparked debate with comments on poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

What he said

Appearing on a television politics programme, in comments reported on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Olayinka reportedly pushed back against what he described as the narrative of widespread poverty and hunger promoted by young Nigerians, often referred to as Gen Z. While he acknowledged that people were facing economic pressure, he pointed to private building projects and construction in communities as signs that economic activity was continuing. He said there is hunger, but people are still building houses.

How people reacted

Many social media users criticised the comments, saying they showed officials were out of touch with ordinary people struggling with high food and transport costs. Others agreed that the economy was not as bad as some critics suggest and said the government's reforms needed time.

Background

The cost of living is one of the most debated issues ahead of the 2027 elections. On the same day, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, urged the government to stop treating talk of poverty as an attack, while investment banker Atedo Peterside said the reforms were making the rich richer and the poor poorer. The government points to falling inflation, a stronger stock market and higher reserves as signs of progress. Wike, a former PDP governor of Rivers State, is a key ally of President Bola Tinubu and leads the Rainbow Coalition backing his re-election.

Three officials serving in Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's administration resigned on Monday, 2 November 2026, according to reports, in the latest of a series of departures from the state government.

Who resigned

Those who left were reportedly the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Ojo; the Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning, Adegbola Oyeleke; and Sunday Falana, a member of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission. Ojo, who is from Ago-Are in Atisbo Local Government Area, submitted his letter through the Secretary to the State Government, said his exit was with immediate effect and thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, without giving a reason. Oyeleke reportedly said he was no longer comfortable with the working environment in the administration.

Background

Makinde is serving his second and final term as governor and is now the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for 2027. Several officials have left his government in recent months as politicians reposition ahead of the elections, with some moving to rival parties. The governor has not publicly commented on the latest resignations.

Why it matters

The departures come as Makinde campaigns nationally, including in the South East, and as parties compete for control of Oyo State, where the governorship seat will be open in 2027.