The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of obsessively targeting the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to deflect from the ruling party’s alleged lack of achievements and ongoing economic challenges.
In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, POMR claimed it had become aware of an alleged internal directive within the APC encouraging party members, particularly political appointees, to concentrate on undermining the growing popularity of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The media office argued that the recent criticisms directed at the two opposition figures appeared to be coordinated and politically motivated.
“The recent, seemingly coordinated and unprovoked criticisms directed at Mr Obi and Senator Kwankwaso by these top APC members and government appointees, therefore, highlight a concerning pattern in contemporary politics,” the statement read.
POMR further alleged that attacking Obi and Kwankwaso had become a strategy for politicians seeking favour within President Bola Tinubu’s administration instead of focusing on governance and service delivery.
“Instead of concentrating on the significant responsibilities of showcasing their achievements to the people who elected them and justifying why they deserve a fresh mandate, the ruling party seem to be prioritising political posturing over governance,” it further noted.
POMR also accused the APC-led government of neglecting critical sectors while allegedly concentrating on political attacks.
“While they are occupied with attempting to diminish Mr Obi’s widespread national appeal, crucial sectors under their stewardship are neglected.
“With citizens grappling with escalating security concerns, a decline in public school and healthcare facilities, and a rising cost of living that impacts the populace daily,” the statement said.
The group also cited warnings from the United Nations World Food Programme about food insecurity in northern Nigeria, accusing APC-controlled governments of failing to respond adequately.
“Since the UN-World Food Programme (WFP) warned of catastrophic hunger of over 17 million in the North, the APC administration at federal, state, and local governments in the nine northern states has not taken any proactive action; instead, they are fixated on the opposition,” it said.
POMR maintained that political attacks on opposition leaders would not solve the country’s pressing challenges.
“At a time when public servants should be working diligently to provide concrete improvements and infrastructure for Nigerians, they are choosing flattery over effective service.”
It continued: “Trying to use Peter Obi or Rabiu Kwankwaso as a political scapegoat will not lead to improved living standards for citizens, nor will it enhance security in the country.”
According to POMR, “The Nigerian populace recognises this distraction for what it is: cheap diversionary blackmail to distract the public from their obvious failure.”
The organisation urged public office holders to focus on governance and called on President Tinubu to assess his appointees based on performance rather than criticism of political opponents.
“POMR wish to therefore call on the ruling class to remember that their primary allegiance lies with the Nigerian people, not with a campaign of political subservience,” the statement said.
It added, “We also suggest that President Bola Tinubu should evaluate his appointees based on their tangible performance and achievements in office, rather than the intensity of their attacks on opposition figures.”
Reaffirming Obi’s commitment to his political vision, the media office concluded, “Mr Peter Obi remains dedicated to advocating for a better Nigeria, and no amount of orchestrated smear campaigns will divert the public’s attention from demanding accountability from those currently in power. A New Nigeria is Possible.”
