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The Nigerian Presidency has accused former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of promoting what it described as false narratives in his critiques of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The allegations were levelled by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, during an appearance on Channels TV on Wednesday, escalating tensions between the government and opposition figures.

Bwala claimed opposition leaders, including Obi—a key challenger to Tinubu in the 2023 elections—have focused on unconstructive criticism rather than substantive policy debates. While acknowledging Obi as the opposition figure “closest to discussing policy,” Bwala dismissed his assertions as lacking factual rigor. “Whenever you subject what [Obi] says to forensic analysis, it always comes out as falsehood,” he stated, invoking the phrase “catch and carry” to allege the former governor selectively presents misleading information.

The adviser argued that opposition parties have failed to articulate clear alternatives to the current administration’s policies, particularly on issues like food security and economic reforms. “Till today, the opposition has not come up with any policy issues to say President Tinubu is wrong, this is how it should be,” Bwala said, adding that critics “don’t have the ideas” to address national challenges.

The remarks come amid Nigeria’s deepening cost-of-living crisis, with inflation hitting 33.95% in May 2024—a 28-year high—driven by rising food prices and energy costs. Tinubu’s reforms, including the contentious removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation, have triggered widespread public frustration, with opposition leaders like Obi frequently highlighting their social and economic impacts.

While Bwala did not specify which of Obi’s statements allegedly contained inaccuracies, the critique reflects growing political friction as Nigeria navigates economic turbulence. Analysts note that opposition parties have increasingly framed Tinubu’s policies as exacerbating inequality, though the government maintains its reforms are necessary for long-term stability.

Peter Obi’s camp has yet to respond to the Presidency’s latest accusations. The Labour Party politician, who secured over six million votes in the 2023 election, has remained a vocal critic of the administration, recently calling for urgent action to address hunger and insecurity.

The exchange underscores Nigeria’s polarized political climate, with both sides competing to shape public perception amid mounting economic pressures. As debates over policy efficacy intensify, experts stress the need for transparent dialogue to address concerns affecting millions of citizens.