It is no more news that the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, Temitope Ajayi, has likened the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, to former US President and Republican candidate for the US 2024 election, Donald Trump.

Ajayi was variously reported in the news on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 to have made the comparison in a post on X.com on Wednesday following the US presidential debate between Trump and Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

“Peter Obi is the Nigeria version of Donald Trump. Like Obi, Trump will use the most negative epithets imaginable to describe a country he wants to lead again just to make a point and rile up his base,” he wrote.

During the debate, Harris and Trump disagreed on various issues ranging from abortion rights to immigration, as both candidates sought to sway voters in a tightly contested race.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not a misnomer to pooh-pooh the comparison by opining that it is a strange and unfounded narrative that has been gaining traction in political discussions, particularly as the comparison is incongruous and contrary to common sense and logic.

Not only is the comparison incongruous, it is misleading, and also an oversimplification of the unique political landscapes and personalities of both political personalities. Therefore, comparing them does a disservice to the political climate in Nigeria and the intentions of the political personalities involved.

First, let’s get one thing straight. Peter Obi and Donald Trump could not be more different. Obi is a man of clear vision and deep intellectual roots, while Trump is known for his erratic and divisive rhetoric. Trump’s political career has been largely built on populism, nationalism, and often, inflammatory remarks that alienate key segments of society. On the other hand, Obi has consistently called for responsible governance, economic reform, and an end to the corruption that has stifled Nigeria’s development.

While Trump capitalized on fear, distrust, and outrage to win votes, Obi appeals to reason, facts, and figures. He has built his political reputation on transparency, simplicity, and accountability. Trump’s approach to governance, often marked by sensationalism and his ‘us vs. them’ mindset, contrasts sharply with Obi’s calm, methodical and solution-driven leadership style. Obi’s focus has always been on the collective good of the people, emphasizing practical solutions to Nigeria’s deep-rooted issues like poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.

Another key difference is how these two figures engage with the electorate. Trump thrives on controversy and seems to bask in divisive politics, while Obi works to unify and uplift his supporters. Where Trump’s rallies were often spectacles of provocation, Obi’s engagements are characterized by thoughtful conversations about Nigeria’s future, emphasizing a return to integrity in governance and a new direction for the country. Obi’s mission is not to tear down or to divide; rather, he aims to rebuild and restore.

Furthermore, Obi has consistently emphasized his commitment to democratic principles and accountability. He doesn’t seek to challenge the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy, nor does he revel in undermining institutions, as Trump notoriously attempted during his presidency. Obi’s call for reforms, from restructuring Nigeria’s economic policies to fighting corruption, stands in stark contrast to Trump’s often authoritarian tendencies and disregard for institutional checks.

Another notable aspect is that Trump’s candidacy appealed largely to a base that felt disillusioned and marginalized. In contrast, Peter Obi’s growing popularity, especially among Nigerian youths and middle-class voters, stems from his promise to chart a new course for the country, one that deviates from the long history of political impunity and economic mismanagement. Obi has become a symbol of hope for many, particularly those who believe in accountability, good governance, and a future free from the chronic failures of the past.

Those peddling this comparison often do so out of a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape. By likening Obi to Trump, they undermine the legitimate grievances of the Nigerian people and ignore the vastly different contexts from which these leaders emerged. Trump’s rise was fueled by fear and division, while Obi’s is built on hope and the promise of transformation. The challenges that Nigeria faces today require thoughtful leadership, not the bombastic style that has come to define Trump’s political persona.

Finally, it is crucial to recognize that every politician should be viewed within the context of their country’s political, social, and economic environment. Nigeria’s issues are unique and deeply rooted in years of governance failures, systemic corruption, and economic hardship. Peter Obi offers a fresh and practical approach to tackling these challenges, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, institutional reform and inclusive economic growth. These are not Trumpian ideals; they are the principles of a leader who seeks to guide Nigeria toward stability and prosperity.

In conclusion, it is clear that the comparison between Peter Obi and Donald Trump is both misguided and inaccurate. It does a disservice to both figures, but more importantly, it distracts from the serious conversations Nigerians need to have about their country’s future. Obi represents hope for a better Nigeria, and that message should not be clouded by unwarranted comparisons to a divisive figure like Trump. Let’s focus on the issues that matter and stop drawing parallels that serve no constructive purpose.

In fact, beyond campaign of calumny, comparing Peter Obi to Donald Trump just doesn’t add up.