Peter Obi, President Tinubu: 5 Key Issues They Surprisingly Agree On

As Nigerians, we are used to seeing President Tinubu and Peter Obi clash on a lot of issues. Their disagreements often spark major uproar on social media, with everyone weighing in.

Even though they don’t always agree, their back-and-forth keeps the political conversation buzzing across the country.

However, Peter Obi and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu share common ground on several national issues.

Here are the  five key areas where both leaders surprisingly agree: 

1. Economic Growth is Crucial

Shared Vision: Job Creation and Economic Expansion

Both Peter Obi and President Tinubu place economic revival at the centre of their agendas. Obi frequently emphasises the need to shift Nigeria from a consumption-based to a production-based economy, while Tinubu advocates for free-market reforms and infrastructure development.

Peter Obi (Arise TV, 2025):
“You cannot grow an economy where the government is the biggest employer. We must support SMEs, local industries, and export-led growth.”

Tinubu’s policies, such as subsidy removal and currency unification, aim to stimulate market forces and attract foreign investment , though Obi critiques their execution.

2. Security Must Be Addressed

Unified Call for National Security Reforms

On the issue of security, both leaders agree: no economic or social development is possible without peace. They support modernising the military, increasing funding, and adopting community-based intelligence.

While Obi supports decentralisation of policing (state police), Tinubu’s government has also signalled interest in grassroots and tech-driven reforms to tackle insurgency, banditry, and oil theft.

Peter Obi: “You can’t secure a nation where people feel alienated. Security starts with trust, jobs, and intelligence — not just force.”

3. Education is a Foundation for Development

Investing in the Future Through Education

Education is one of the few policy areas where rhetoric across party lines remains consistent. Obi and Tinubu have both acknowledged the critical link between education and national productivity.

Obi advocates for increased education funding and curriculum reform to include digital skills, while Tinubu’s administration is pushing for education digitisation and teacher training initiatives.

Tinubu 2024 Inaugural Address: “We will invest more in teachers, schools, and vocational training.”

4. Agriculture Needs More Support

Consensus on Agribusiness as a Growth Engine

Both leaders see agriculture as Nigeria’s untapped goldmine. They champion initiatives that would increase food production, reduce imports, and create rural employment.

Obi has often called for agro-industrial hubs, value-chain financing, and empowering cooperatives. Tinubu’s government has introduced fertiliser distribution programs and loans for agribusinesses.

Obi: “Agriculture is the fastest way to lift millions out of poverty, if we get logistics, storage, and credit right.”

5. Youth Engagement is Essential

Mobilising Nigeria’s Demographic Power

With over 60% of Nigerians under 30, both Obi and Tinubu acknowledge the need to involve youth in governance, innovation, and job creation.

Obi supports youth-led SMEs, digital entrepreneurship, and leadership inclusion, while Tinubu’s cabinet features younger ministers and tech-driven employment initiatives.

Tinubu: “The future belongs to Nigeria’s youth and we must empower them today, not tomorrow.”