President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has responded to Peter Obi’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress. Onanuga stated that Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, still expresses bitterness about the outcome of the 2023 election, nearly three years after the polls.
Onanuga’s statement came as a reaction to Obi’s remarks during his defection event, where he claimed to have learned from international models and experts. However, Onanuga argued that Obi’s approach is flawed, as national development strategies that work in other countries may not be applicable in Nigeria.
According to Onanuga, empirical analyses of the 2023 election results indicate that Obi could not have won, and his third-place finish was largely due to the support he received in the South East region. Onanuga also questioned Obi’s ability to lead, citing his performance as the 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. The adviser stressed that successful national development requires original thinking and tailored approaches, rather than simply copying models from other countries.
The development comes as 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 in the lead-up to future elections. As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Obi’s latest move will impact his prospects and the broader political landscape.
