Peter Obi Media Office Demands Equal Scrutiny of 2027 Presidential Candidates

The Peter Obi Media Office has called for equal and rigorous scrutiny of all presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging that its principal, Peter Obi, is being subjected to a higher standard of evaluation than other political contenders.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, on Wednesday, the media office said every statement, past decision and allegation involving Obi was being extensively examined, while alleged failures and controversies surrounding other political figures were often treated with greater leniency.

The office said it welcomed scrutiny of Obi, but argued that the same standards should be applied to every candidate seeking the presidency.

“Let us not use a microscope on Obi and a blindfold on others. Nigeria deserves equal standards—not selective outrage,” the statement said.

According to the media office, Obi's emphasis on reform, transparency and a departure from the political status quo had naturally raised expectations among voters, but argued that this should not translate into what it described as a demand for “absolute purity” from him while other candidates were assessed through what it called a “framework of political realism.”

It cited alleged controversies involving corruption, policy failures, transparency and credentials among unnamed political figures, arguing that such issues were sometimes explained as the realities or compromises of politics.

The statement also contrasted the treatment of Obi's alleged inconsistencies with that of other politicians, saying changes in Obi's positions were labelled inconsistency, while similar actions by others were dismissed as politics.

The media office further said Obi was willing to subject his record and documents to public scrutiny, contrasting this with what it described as efforts by others to restrict public access to their records through the courts.

It also referenced criticism of Obi by Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, alleging that efforts to find flaws in the former Anambra governor's record had yielded “non-existent flaws.”

The office, however, maintained that Nigerians should scrutinise Obi and all other presidential contenders with the same level of rigor.

“Nigeria does not need a perfect President. It needs the most competent, credible, and capable one,” the statement added, declaring that “A New Nigeria is possible and will be O-K.”