By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Peter Obi Media Office has accused the political establishment and sections of the Nigerian media of applying a double standard in the scrutiny of presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election, saying Peter Obi is being subjected to intense examination while alleged failures and controversies involving other political figures receive less attention.

In a statement dated September 16, 2026, signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr., POMR Spokesman, the media office said it welcomed scrutiny of Obi but questioned what it described as selective examination of his record compared with that of politicians who have held or currently hold public office.

The office said every statement and past decision by Obi was being subjected to close examination, with allegations against him amplified even when disputed or requiring context.

“The Media Office has noted that every word of Peter Obi is dissected. His past decisions are resurrected. Every allegation is amplified—even when disputed or needing context,” it said.

POMR contrasted this with what it described as the treatment of other political figures, arguing that records of failed promises, economic hardship, insecurity and governance failures were sometimes softened, explained away or forgotten.

“Meanwhile, records of failed promises, economic hardship, insecurity, and governance failures elsewhere are routinely softened, explained away, or forgotten,” the statement added.

The media office said the standard being applied to Obi appeared particularly difficult to reconcile with what it described as the treatment of established political figures.

“Why demand perfection from a candidate while tolerating failure in those who have governed or are still governing?” POMR asked.

The office nevertheless said Obi should not be exempted from scrutiny, pointing specifically to criticism from Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo.

“For emphasis, the Peter Obi Media Office encourages scrutiny of Obi, as is already happening with some, like Governor Charles Soludo, who is even manufacturing non-existent flaws after fruitless searches,” it stated.

POMR said the issue was not whether Obi should be scrutinised but whether the same standard should be applied to every presidential candidate.

“But for God's sake, scrutinise everyone. Let us not use a microscope on Obi and a blindfold on others. Nigeria deserves equal standards—not selective outrage,” the media office said.

It further argued that Obi’s reform and transparency message had contributed to the high expectations surrounding him, but questioned why similar standards should not apply to politicians with established records in public office.

“Supporters and critics alike often hold Obi to a standard of absolute purity, while giving pragmatic grace to traditional political figures,” the statement said.

The media office also contrasted the way alleged errors or changes of position involving Obi and other candidates were interpreted.

“If Obi errs, it is regarded as incompetence. When others err, it is ‘human.’ When Obi changes his position, it is called inconsistency. When others do the same, it is ‘politics.’ This is not objective scrutiny. It is selective outrage,” POMR argued.

The statement comes amid renewed public scrutiny of Obi’s record as former Anambra governor, including recent claims by the Anambra State Government concerning inherited loans and Obi’s response that he left office without outstanding obligations to workers, contractors and suppliers.

POMR said it was not opposed to Nigerians examining Obi’s record, but insisted that the same level of scrutiny should be applied to every candidate contesting the 2027 presidency.

“The media office is insisting that Nigerians scrutinise Obi but apply the same rigorous standard to every candidate,” it said.

The office concluded that Nigerians did not need a perfect president but should assess candidates based on their competence, credibility and capacity to govern.