President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, responded to Peter Obi’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress. Onanuga said that Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, still harbors bitterness about the 2023 election outcome, nearly three years after the polls.
Onanuga’s remarks came after Obi, during his defection event, claimed to have learned from international models and experts. The adviser argued that Obi’s approach is flawed because national development strategies that work elsewhere may not be applicable in Nigeria. He noted that empirical analyses of the 2023 results show Obi could not have won; his third‑place finish was largely due to support from the South‑East region.
The adviser also questioned Obi’s capacity to lead, citing his tenure as governor of Anambra State, which he described as “abysmal.” Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu has been working to develop Nigeria since his inauguration on May 29, 2023, but Obi’s criticism suggests he is consumed by bitterness and a narrow mindset. He stressed that successful national development requires original thinking and tailored approaches, not merely copying models from other countries.
Obi, who has changed parties multiple times, continues to position himself as a potential leader in Nigerian politics. His defection to the African Democratic Congress has sparked interest in the country’s political landscape, with some analysts viewing it as a strategic move to remain relevant ahead of future elections. As Nigeria’s political environment evolves, it remains to be seen how Obi’s latest move will affect his prospects and the broader political scene.
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