Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate for the 2023 presidential elections, has strongly criticized recent attempts by the presidency to undermine his credibility by likening him to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Obi perceives this comparison as a revealing sign of the administration’s own fragility.
In an official statement released through his Media Office on Sunday, titled “Why the desperate smear campaign against Obi is backfiring,” Obi’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar, denounced the government’s remarks from Abuja. The statement accused the current leadership of being out of touch with the realities and challenges their policies have created for the nation over the past year.
Obi’s remarks underscored that the administration’s attempts to damage his reputation stem from their own desperation and lack of competence. He stated, “For these detractors, it seems there is no shortage of inventiveness when it comes to linking Obi with negative narratives in the media. Whether it’s about imagined arrests (a trial balloon?), or baseless accusations of inciting violence, they are relentless in distorting my image for questionable agendas.”
The statement also ridiculed the presidency’s effort to associate Obi with Trump, dismissing it as “the most absurd of misconceptions” and suggesting that such comparisons are merely attempts to curry favor with American Democrats. It provocatively asked, “Does referring to Peter Obi as ‘the Trump of Nigeria’ imply that Tinubu is akin to Kamala Harris?”
Obi further argued that comparing himself and Tinubu to American political figures overlooks critical distinctions in ethics, transparency, and policy priorities. He confidently stated that Nigerians are not easily fooled by such misleading propaganda.
The statement criticized the government for targeting Obi instead of addressing their own shortcomings, highlighting the irony of disparaging a leader known for being accessible and accountable, in stark contrast to the current President’s disengagement from public affairs.
Obi’s message emphasized his commitment to being a champion for the people and a beacon of hope for a fair and just democracy. He condemned the administration’s tactics of distorting his views and intentions, reiterating that his primary focus is on uplifting Nigeria, not seeking the presidency out of desperation.
His statement was concluded with a rallying call to Nigerians, especially Obi’s supporters, to stay committed to their vision for a better Nigeria, despite the government’s attempts to create distractions and spread misinformation.
