Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has criticized the presidency’s recent attempt to undermine him by comparing him to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Obi views this comparison as a clear indication of the government’s weakness.
In a statement issued through his Media Office on Sunday and titled “Why desperate Obi traducers are kissing the dust?”, Obi’s Spokesman Ibrahim Umar in Abuja, condemned the comparison. The statement accused the current administration of failing to grasp the realities and hardships their policies have imposed on the nation over the past year.
Obi’s statement highlighted that the administration’s efforts to tarnish his reputation reflect their desperation and ineptitude. It read, “For these traducers, it would be a huge omission for a day to pass without finding something to negatively link Obi within the media space. If he and his family are not being imaginarily arrested (a kite being flown to test waters?), he is being wickedly accused of sponsoring violence or having his public appearances distorted to suit dubious motives.”
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The statement also mocked the Presidency’s attempt to link Obi with Donald Trump, calling it “the most laughable of such delusions” and suggesting that the comparisons were an effort to gain favor with the Democrats. It questioned, “Will your calling Peter Obi ‘a Trump’ translate to or mean that Tinubu is Harris?”
Obi further pointed out that comparing himself and Tinubu to American Presidential candidates Trump and Harris ignores significant differences in morality, transparency, and policy focus. He asserted that Nigerians are not easily deceived by such propaganda.
The statement criticized the administration for attacking Obi rather than addressing their own failures, noting the irony of maligning a leader who has been notably visible and accountable, in contrast to the current President’s aloofness and avoidance of public engagement.
Obi’s statement emphasized his role as a voice of the people and a symbol of hope for a more just democracy. It also condemned the administration’s tactics of misrepresenting his positions and intentions. Obi has consistently stated that his focus is on improving Nigeria rather than pursuing the presidency out of desperation.
The statement concluded with a call to Nigerians, especially supporters of Obi, to remain focused on their vision for a better Nigeria, despite the current administration’s attempts to distract and mislead.
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