In a surprising twist, Grok AI, the artificial intelligence model from X (formerly Twitter), was dragged into Nigeria’s heated political debate after answering a question that compared Lagos, the commercial capital under Bola Tinubu’s influence, to Anambra, the southeastern state associated with Peter Obi.
When asked where it would prefer to live if it were human, Grok chose Anambra, citing its stability, top education rankings, and healthcare improvements, crediting Obi’s fiscal discipline for the state’s progress.
This response immediately ignited controversy. Critics of Obi quickly dismissed Grok’s analysis, arguing that Anambra’s educational system is built on “miraculous centers” rather than true academic excellence.
Some accused the AI of spreading misinformation, claiming that Obi’s administration did not contribute significantly to education.
Others defended Anambra, stating that while Lagos offers better economic opportunities, the southeastern state provides a calmer, more livable environment with better work life balance.
The comparison between Lagos and Anambra is an old debate with deep political undertones. Lagos, Nigeria’s financial hub, is known for its economic opportunities, infrastructure, and access to international corporations.
However, it is also infamous for its chaotic traffic, overpopulation, and high cost of living. On the other hand, Anambra is praised for its relative peace, lower cost of living, and less stressful lifestyle, but critics argue that it lacks the business dynamism and global connections that Lagos offers.
This AI driven debate exposes the growing political polarization in Nigeria. For many, Tinubu represents economic ambition and national influence, while Obi symbolizes fiscal responsibility and governance focused on long-term stability.
The fact that an AI system’s response could trigger such strong emotions highlights how deeply personal and divided Nigerians are when it comes to leadership and regional development.
At its core, this debate is about what Nigerians value more economic vibrancy or quality of life. As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in discussions, its role in shaping public opinion will only grow.
But one thing is clear, whether human or AI, choosing between Lagos and Anambra remains a battle of priorities, perspectives, and politics.
Here’s a link to the chat.
