Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has sharply criticized Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, following the latter’s comments on Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement on Monday, Obi accused the current administration of undermining Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, which began in 1999.
He made these remarks in response to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, and the president’s decision to impose a state of emergency to address the situation.
Obi, reflecting on his own political history, also referenced his impeachment as governor of Anambra State in 2006, which was carried out by the state’s House of Assembly under the leadership of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He emphasized that, despite the impeachment, he was able to reclaim his position through the courts, without interference from external forces.
Onanuga, in a retort shared on his X (formerly Twitter) page, argued that if Nigeria’s democracy was truly in danger as Obi suggested, the former governor would not be able to make such statements freely.
The presidential aide cautioned Obi to be more mindful of his public remarks, warning him against “playing to the gallery” for political gain.
“I listened multiple times to former Governor Peter Obi’s statement in this clip, where he claims that democracy has collapsed in Nigeria,” Onanuga wrote.
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“His hyperbolic remarks, suited for headlines, have been made without deep reflection and lack a solid logical foundation.
“How can a democracy that has strengthened over the past 26 years be said to have collapsed?
“Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall through his lens.
“If democracy had indeed collapsed, as Peter claims, and we were living under a regime antithetical to democratic principles, he would not have been able to make his comments on Monday at Emeka Ihedioha’s colloquium.
“I will urge him to watch what he says and restrain himself from playing to the gallery.”
