By Our Reporter
The Peter Obi Media Office has defended the presidential credentials of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying his growing popularity is based on his record in public service rather than political patronage.
In a statement signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr and issued on Sunday, the media office dismissed claims by supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Obi was being “overhyped” and that his popularity and political ratings were exaggerated.
The office said Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State between 2006 and 2014 provided evidence of his preparedness to govern at the federal level.
According to the statement, Obi managed Anambra State before seeking to lead the country, giving him executive experience that, it argued, distinguishes him from politicians whose presidential credentials are based largely on political connections.
The media office listed fiscal discipline as one of the major features of Obi’s tenure, claiming that Anambra became one of the least-indebted states during his administration and that substantial savings and investments were accumulated.
It cited Obi’s 2023 manifesto, which reportedly put the state’s investments and savings at about $500 million, including $156 million in dollar-denominated bonds.
The statement also highlighted education as another area in which Obi’s administration claimed significant achievements.
It said his government returned mission schools to their original owners and established partnerships with them, while claiming that Anambra moved from 24th position to first in WAEC/NECO performance for three consecutive years.
The media office further pointed to scholarships, healthcare investments, poverty mapping and other human-capital initiatives as evidence that Obi’s administration focused on people and institutional development rather than physical infrastructure alone.
On healthcare, it said more than 12 health institutions, including two hospitals, secured accreditation by the end of Obi’s tenure, compared with none at the beginning, according to his 2023 manifesto.
The statement also credited Obi with attracting development partnerships involving organisations such as the World Bank, UNDP, DFID and the European Union.
It said his administration employed data and planning through initiatives including poverty mapping, aerial mapping and the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS).
Beyond government, the media office said Obi’s previous career in business and banking provided him with private-sector and financial-management experience before he entered elective politics.
“Peter Obi is not asking Nigerians to make him President so that he can learn how government works,” the statement said in its central argument, adding that Nigerians could assess his presidential suitability by examining his record as governor.
Media office lists alleged failures of Tinubu administration
The Obi Media Office also presented what it described as “ten failures Nigerians cannot ignore” under the Tinubu administration.
It identified the cost-of-living crisis, rising inflation, declining purchasing power, naira instability and the sharp increase in petrol prices following the removal of fuel subsidy as major areas of concern.
According to the statement, the economic reforms implemented by the administration have placed significant pressure on households and businesses, with food, transportation and other necessities becoming more expensive.
It also cited rising poverty and hardship, weak employment opportunities and continuing security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and communal violence.
The media office further raised concerns about public trust and transparency, citing controversies surrounding government spending, appointments, procurement and the management of public resources.
It accused the administration of being perceived by critics as placing political consolidation and preparations for the 2027 elections ahead of institution-building.
The statement said the broader issue was whether the difficult economic decisions taken by the administration had translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians.
“The fundamental question is not whether Tinubu inherited a difficult Nigeria. He did,” the statement said. “The question is whether, after taking difficult decisions, Nigerians are better off today.”
The Obi Media Office answered the question in the negative, arguing that the hardship experienced by Nigerians remained evidence that the government’s reform agenda had yet to deliver sufficient benefits to ordinary citizens.
The statement was signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr for the Peter Obi Media Office and dated September 13, 2026.Headline suggestions: