Peter Obi supporter says no basis for comparison between Obi and Tinubu.

A relatively unknown political commentator named Great Imo Jonathan, last week took to social media and argued that there is “no basis for comparison” between former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing what he described as Obi’s extensive experience in banking, business, manufacturing and corporate management before entering politics.

Jonathan, in a strongly worded commentary, which went viral last week said Obi’s professional background demonstrated that he was more of a technocrat and businessman than a career politician. He highlighted Obi’s reported involvement in banking and finance, including his association with Fidelity Bank Plc and other financial institutions, as well as his reported board memberships in several companies.According to Jonathan, Obi also built a reputation in trading, importation and manufacturing through Next International Nigeria Ltd., which he said was involved in the distribution of consumer goods and other products. He further cited Obi’s reported involvement with major companies and institutions in Nigeria’s financial and manufacturing sectors as evidence of his corporate experience.

The commentator also pointed to Obi’s reported participation in capital-market activities and corporate boards, including associations with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Nigerian Breweries, International Breweries and other organizations. He argued that these experiences exposed Obi to areas such as corporate governance, supply-chain management, logistics, cost control and international trade.

Jonathan contrasted this background with what he described as a lack of comparable private-sector records by Tinubu before his entry into politics. He challenged supporters of the President to present evidence of Tinubu’s business activities, companies and financial records before his political career and rise to prominence.The commentator further praised Obi for what he described as a reputation for frugality, cost control and lean management, arguing that his business background gave him an understanding of how businesses are established, managed and expanded, as well as how employment and economic value chains are created.

However, Jonathan’s commentary was largely an expression of political opinion and included several claims about the business records and backgrounds of both men that were not independently substantiated in the statement. His remarks come amid continuing public debate in Nigeria over the professional and political records of major figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.