Labour Party chieftain Ibrahim H. Abdulkarim has defended Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate against criticism from journalist Donu Kogbara, who described Obi’s approach as “pedestrian” and disappointing.
Abdulkarim argued that Obi’s grassroots efforts, such as building boreholes, donating to schools, and engaging directly with vulnerable communities, are precisely what Nigeria needs. He emphasized that Obi’s actions reflect genuine leadership, prioritizing education and healthcare for the nation’s poorest, and challenged critics to recognize the impact of his work.
Donu Kogbara, had criticized Peter Obi, during an interview on Arise TV. She remarked, “I don’t understand how Peter Obi has gone from top to bottom. He has become so pedestrian, making anodyne statements on TV, building boreholes, donating to schools. He is a good guy, but we can’t see a leader the opposition needs. He is a disappointment.
In a statement addressing these remarks, Abdulkarim highlighted that what some see as “pedestrian” is, in fact, the leadership Nigeria desperately needs. “Peter Obi is doing exactly what Nigeria needs right now. Imagine if all our politicians prioritized education the way he does,” Abdulkarim stated.
Since the elections, Obi has visited nearly 30 states, engaging directly with grassroots communities. His approach, which Kogbara labeled as “pedestrian,” has been a deliberate strategy to connect with the realities of ordinary Nigerians. Obi’s activities include sitting with underprivileged Almajiri children, sharing meals, teaching them, and donating resources to improve their conditions.
Abdulkarim recalled a personal interaction with Obi during his tenure as governor of Anambra. “Listen, Ibrahim,” Obi had said, “you must prioritize investing in education above all else.” This philosophy continues to guide his actions today.
Obi’s grassroots efforts are evident across the nation. In Adamawa, he donated computers to schools; in Kaduna, he provided toilets to a school that previously lacked sanitation facilities. In Kebbi, he funded borehole projects, while in Sokoto, he enhanced access to clean water for a university. A private nursing school with over 300 women benefited from a ₦5 million donation.
“These small but impactful actions are what have been missing in Nigerian politics,” Abdulkarim noted. “If such work had been done consistently, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Abdulkarim also addressed the criticism of Obi’s leadership capabilities, emphasizing that his post-campaign activities reveal a genuine commitment to nation-building. “Initially, I didn’t entirely believe in him during the campaigns. But after the campaigns, he continued his work—dining with almajiri children and engaging with ordinary Nigerians. This is not the behavior of a man seeking only power. This is a leader invested in the future of his country.”
Abdulkarim dismissed the notion that Obi is a disappointment, arguing instead that his consistent focus on education and healthcare reflects a level of integrity rarely seen in Nigerian politics. “If he had stolen money, he would have disappeared, waiting for another opportunity to plunder. Instead, he’s using his resources to tackle critical issues,” he remarked.
Through his grassroots initiatives, Peter Obi has demonstrated what effective leadership looks like. “What some may call ‘pedestrian’ is precisely what has been missing in our politics—a hands-on approach that prioritizes the people’s needs over empty rhetoric,” Abdulkarim concluded.
By focusing on education, healthcare, and grassroots engagement, Peter Obi has shown that leadership is about action, not just words, inspiring hope for a better Nigeria.
