By Chimezie Godfrey
The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has rejected the assertion by former Labour Party presidential running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, that no individual, including Peter Obi, can rescue Nigeria from its deep-rooted challenges.
POMR spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, said the former vice-presidential candidate’s position was understandable as an expression of frustration over the country’s worsening challenges, but argued that it was not supported by the record of Obi’s leadership in Anambra State.
According to Zekeri, Nigeria is facing serious problems arising from years of what he described as mismanagement, corruption, waste and poor leadership, which have weakened public institutions and placed a heavy burden on citizens.
He, however, said the severity of the challenges made it more important for Nigerians to distinguish between political promises and demonstrated capacity.
“Peter Obi does not approach Nigeria’s challenges as an experiment,” Zekeri said, arguing that Obi’s record as Anambra State governor provides evidence of his ability to manage limited resources and deliver measurable results.
He said Obi, while in office, demonstrated fiscal discipline, prioritised education, healthcare and human development, invested in critical infrastructure and reduced waste.
Zekeri maintained that the central question ahead of the 2027 election should not be whether one individual could “magically rescue Nigeria”, but whether Nigerians could elect a leader with the character, competence, prudence and courage to begin the process of national recovery.
“No individual can,” he acknowledged, adding that Obi would instead pursue national recovery by strengthening institutions, assembling competent Nigerians, confronting corruption, cutting waste, investing in production and restoring public confidence in government.
The POMR spokesman said Nigeria did not need what he described as a “fake messiah”, but leadership capable of understanding that public funds represent public trust.
“Peter Obi has demonstrated that understanding before. The task in 2027 is to allow him to demonstrate it at the national level,” he said.
Zekeri further declared that Nigeria could be rescued under Obi’s leadership, not because the former Anambra governor claimed to be a miracle worker, but because his supporters believe his record demonstrates an ability to turn limited resources into measurable results.
“With O-K, Nigeria is rescueable,” he said.