Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, says he will never resort to personal insults against President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the President commands his respect.

Peter Obi stated this on Friday, September 25, at the 2026 All Nigeria Editors’ Conference held in Enugu under the theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.”

He emphasized that political debates and disagreements ought to focus strictly on public policy and leadership performance rather than personal attacks.

“I cannot abuse any governor. I cannot abuse anybody in government. I don’t need to abuse people even in the federal government. I’ve never abused anybody. Who has seen me calling President Tinubu’s name? Never! I will not do that. He’s the President of the country, he has all my respect,” Peter Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor, however, noted that according respect to public officials should not prevent citizens and journalists from holding them accountable or questioning their administrative decisions.

He added that the personal character and integrity of political leaders directly impact societal values, urging media editors to evaluate politicians based on their track records, public statements, and professional qualifications.