‘A shrimp Comparing Itself To A Whale’: Obi Loyalist Launches Blistering Attack On Deji Adeyanju

A stinging new statement from Idris Zekeri Jnr has poured scorn on activist Deji Adeyanju, dismissing his claim to be “bigger” than Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi as absurd, deluded and wholly without merit.

Zekeri Jnr in the statement accuses Mr Adeyanju of conducting a “renewed and ongoing campaign of calumny” against the former Anambra State governor and his millions of supporters.

While acknowledging that any citizen is entitled to criticise a public figure, Mr Zekeri said the activist’s language had become “infantile”, vitriolic and deeply unbecoming.

“It has become increasingly concerning to observe the language, vitriol and general acerbity of Mr Adeyanju’s infantile public outbursts,” the statement said.
The most provocative passage of the statement ridicules Mr Adeyanju’s assertion that he ranks above Mr Obi. Mr Zekeri pointed to the activist’s relatively late completion of his first degree, saying a man who only graduated in 2022, already in his mid-40s, could not seriously compare himself to someone who had built businesses, worked in banking and governed an entire state by that age.

“The difference is not merely significant; it is the difference between comparing a shrimp with a whale,” the statement declared.

In an especially withering passage, Mr Zekeri took aim at Mr Adeyanju’s own history with the law, making clear that the activist’s much-publicised spells in detention should not be mistaken for political credentials.

“Criminal prosecution for alleged murder, subsequent remand and a discharge and acquittal are not badges of honour,” the statement said. “They are certainly not credentials for political stature, moral authority or leadership.”

Mr Zekeri suggested the episode ought to prompt a period of honest introspection, adding that Mr Adeyanju still had an opportunity to “turn a new page and become a model citizen”, rather than promoting “political theatrics, bitterness or endless personal attacks”.

The statement challenged Mr Adeyanju to specify exactly how he considers himself superior to Peter Obi.

“Leadership? Experience? Governance? Enterprise? Public service? Measurable impact? On those questions, Nigerians can make their own judgement,” it said.

The press release went on to accuse Mr Adeyanju of hiding “under the cloak of non-partisanship” while effectively serving the interests of the Tinubu administration, and suggested his principal contribution to public life was little more than “an endless appetite for personal attacks”.

It concluded by insisting that political relevance in Nigeria could not be manufactured by noise, detention records or social-media theatrics.

“It is earned through competence, character, service and impact.”