Obi Can Rescue Nigeria, Has Proven Capacity — POMR Replies Datti Baba-Ahmed

The Peter Obi Media and Research (POMR) has said former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi can lead the process of rescuing Nigeria from its current Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Peter Obi, citing his record in office as evidence of his capacity to govern.

The group was reacting to a recent statement by former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who reportedly expressed the view that no individual, including Obi, could single-handedly rescue Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, on Monday, POMR said Datti-Baba-Ahmed’s position was understandable given the magnitude of the problems confronting the country, but argued that Obi’s record provided grounds for confidence in his ability to lead reforms.

POMR said Nigeria had been weakened by years of what it described as mismanagement, corruption, waste and poor leadership, adding that the country therefore needed to distinguish between political promises and demonstrated capacity.

According to the group, Obi’s administration in Anambra State demonstrated fiscal discipline and prioritised sectors including education, healthcare and human development, while also investing in infrastructure and reducing waste.

“Peter Obi does not approach Nigeria's challenges as an experiment. His record in Anambra provides evidence of what he can do with limited resources when public office is treated as a responsibility rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment,” the statement said.

The group, however, acknowledged that no individual could single-handedly solve Nigeria’s problems.

It said the central issue was whether Nigerians could elect a leader with the “character, competence, prudence, and courage” to begin the process of national transformation.

POMR said Obi, if elected in 2027, would need to work with competent Nigerians, strengthen institutions, tackle corruption, reduce waste, promote production and restore public confidence in government.

“Nigeria does not need a fake messiah. It needs leadership that understands that public money is public trust,” the group said.

POMR maintained that Obi’s previous record in public office provided a basis for its belief that he could demonstrate similar leadership at the national level.