The question is whether Nigeria can elect a leader with the character, competence, prudence, and courage to begin the rescue. We believe Peter Obi can—and will
By Moses Okorie
The Peter Obi Media Office has pushed back against recent comments by former vice-presidential candidate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, suggesting that no individual, including Peter Obi, can single-handedly rescue Nigeria from its deepening economic and institutional challenges.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the media office said while Datti’s comments reflected the frustration surrounding Nigeria’s current condition, they did not provide a sufficient basis to dismiss Obi’s capacity to lead the country’s recovery.
The office acknowledged that Nigeria is facing serious challenges arising from years of what it described as mismanagement, corruption, waste and ineffective leadership.
It argued, however, that the severity of those challenges makes a leader’s track record and demonstrated capacity more important, rather than less important, in determining who should be entrusted with the country’s affairs.
According to the statement, Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State offers evidence of his ability to manage limited resources responsibly and prioritise public interest.
It said his administration focused on fiscal discipline, education, healthcare, infrastructure and human development, while also seeking to reduce waste in government.
The media office stressed that it was not presenting Obi as a “miracle worker” capable of solving Nigeria’s problems single-handedly.
Rather, it said the critical question before Nigerians was whether the country could elect a leader with the competence, character, prudence and courage to commence the process of national recovery.
“The question is whether Nigeria can elect a leader with the character, competence, prudence, and courage to begin the rescue. We believe Peter Obi can—and will,” the statement said.
It added that Obi’s proposed approach would involve building stronger institutions, assembling competent professionals, confronting corruption, reducing government waste, encouraging production and restoring citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
The media office further maintained that Nigeria does not need a leader who presents himself as a saviour, but one who understands the responsibility that comes with managing public resources.
It argued that Obi had demonstrated such an understanding during his time in office and should therefore be given the opportunity to replicate his approach at the national level.
The statement concluded that Nigeria remains capable of overcoming its challenges and that Obi could provide the leadership required to drive the process.
“Peter Obi can lead that rescue—not because he claims to be a miracle worker, but because his record shows that he knows how to turn limited resources into measurable results,” it stated.
The media office ended with the slogan, “With O-K, Nigeria is rescueable,” as it renewed its support for Obi’s 2027 presidential ambition.