Former Anambra State Governor and Nigerian Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has questioned the criteria for becoming Nigeria’s president, saying many Nigerians do not know what qualifies a person to lead the country.
Obi made the remarks on Monday during the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking during a session at the conference, Obi asked participants to identify the qualifications required to become president or governor.
He said, “What is our qualification to be president? None of you know. What is qualification to be president of Nigeria or governor? Nobody knows.”
The former governor was however reminded during the discussion that the requirements for contesting the offices of president and governor are contained in the Nigerian Constitution.
Obi’s comments came during a session focused on Nigeria’s political future, governance and leadership as political actors begin preparations for the 2027 general election.
The NBA conference, themed “Politics, People, and Nigeria’s Future: Forget the Slogans,” brought together lawyers and political figures to discuss issues surrounding democracy, governance, justice and the future direction of the country.
Obi’s appearance at the conference came on the same day former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who represented African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, was involved in a heated exchange with African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.
Amaechi, while speaking about his achievements as governor of Rivers State, was interrupted by Sowore.
Responding to the interruption, Amaechi said, “Where are Rivers lawyers, let them take Sowore around and show him what I did as a former Governor. Moreover, Sowore when politicians are talking, close your mouth.”
Amaechi served as governor of Rivers State for two terms between 2007 and 2015 before becoming Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
His appearance at the NBA conference was significant because of his political history in Rivers State, where he previously served as Speaker of the State House of Assembly before becoming governor.
Prior to the conference, the NBA in July elected Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN as president.
Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious in the association’s 2026 presidential election after defeating Lateef Akangbe, SAN, and Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN.
She secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the votes cast, while Akangbe received 7,934 votes and Akinboro polled 5,855 votes.
Following her election, Badejo-Okusanya pledged to lead the association with integrity, courage, fairness and accountability.
“I am truly humbled by the confidence that members of the Nigerian Bar Association have reposed in me by electing me to serve as your President,” she said.
She also called on members to unite after the election and focus on advancing the legal profession.
“The election is over. We are one Bar, united by a common commitment to the advancement of our profession and the defence of justice and the rule of law,” she said.
Badejo-Okusanya further pledged to improve the welfare of lawyers during her tenure.
“I pledge to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness, and accountability. I will be a President for every member of the Nigerian Bar Association. Together, we will build an Association where every lawyer has the opportunity to earn better, live better, and practise better,” she said.
Her election also made her only the second woman to lead the Nigerian Bar Association.