2027: No Sacred Cows, Obi Media Office Demands Equal Scrutiny of Presidential Candidates

The Peter Obi Media Office has accused Nigeria’s political establishment and sections of the media of applying “double standards” in the scrutiny of presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election, insisting that no candidate should be subjected to a microscope while others are shielded by political convenience.
The media office said Peter Obi should be rigorously questioned and scrutinised, but argued that the same standard must be applied to every presidential candidate seeking the votes of Nigerians.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the office said the intense examination of Obi’s statements, records and past decisions had become disproportionate, while alleged failures associated with other political actors were frequently treated with greater leniency.
“Let us not use a microscope on Obi and a blindfold on others. Nigeria deserves equal standards,not selective outrage,” the statement said.
The Obi Media Office argued that every statement by the former Anambra State governor was subjected to intense examination, with old decisions and allegations repeatedly brought into public debate, even when, according to the office, such allegations remained disputed or required further context.
It questioned what it described as a contrasting approach to politicians with records of governance, arguing that issues surrounding corruption allegations, policy failures, insecurity, economic hardship and unfulfilled promises should receive the same level of public scrutiny.
The statement said the demand for near-perfection from Obi was particularly difficult to justify when other politicians were allegedly given room to explain away their shortcomings as the normal compromises of politics.
According to the media office, Obi’s reform-oriented political message has inevitably raised expectations among voters, making scrutiny of him legitimate.
However, it argued that such scrutiny should not become selective.
“For us at the Peter Obi Media, the political discourse surrounding our principal often reveals a stark double standard in candidate evaluation,” it said.
The office also referred to criticism from Governor Charles Soludo, alleging that efforts had been made to find flaws in Obi after what it described as “fruitless searches.”
It challenged critics of Obi to extend the same intensity of examination to every other presidential contender.
The statement further contrasted the treatment of Obi with what it called the “leniency standard” applied to established political figures, alleging that past scandals, policy failures, corruption allegations and questions about transparency were sometimes dismissed as the realities of politics.
It also raised the issue of candidates facing controversies over corruption, alleged drug-related issues and academic credentials, arguing that such matters should neither be ignored nor treated differently depending on the politician involved.
The media office said Obi’s willingness to have institutions release his documents for public scrutiny should also be considered alongside how other candidates respond to demands for disclosure.
“Why must Peter Obi, a human being, be perfect, while every flaw in other candidates—like corruption, drugs, or lack of certificates—is explained away?” it asked.
The office maintained that Nigerians should scrutinise Obi but should equally scrutinise every other candidate before deciding who deserves their votes in 2027.
It said the country did not need a “perfect President” but one who could demonstrate competence, credibility and capacity to govern.
“Nigeria does not need a perfect President. It needs the most competent, credible, and capable one,” the statement said.
The media office concluded with Obi’s campaign slogan, declaring: “A New Nigeria is possible and will be O-K.”