Presidential Aide Bayo Onanuga Warns Peter Obi: ‘Watch Your Words’

Presidential Aide Bayo Onanuga Warns Peter Obi: ‘Watch Your Words’

Presidential Aide Bayo Onanuga Criticizes Peter Obi Over Democracy Comments

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has cautioned former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi against making what he described as reckless and misleading statements.

Obi, speaking at a public event in Abuja on Monday, March 24, claimed that democracy under the current administration had collapsed. Using a metaphor, he argued that past governments had gradually built up democratic institutions, but the present leadership had “knocked everything down,” leaving the country in disarray.

Citing his personal experience, Obi recalled how he became governor through the courts without any influence or bribery during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. He contrasted that with the present administration, alleging that the presidency now interferes in judicial matters.

Reacting via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Onanuga dismissed Obi’s remarks as exaggerated and baseless. He argued that Nigeria’s democracy has remained resilient and has steadily progressed since 1999.

“I listened multiple times to former Governor Peter Obi’s statement, where he claims democracy has collapsed in Nigeria. His hyperbolic remarks, suited for headlines, lack deep reflection and a solid logical foundation,” Onanuga said.

He further asserted that if democracy had indeed collapsed, Obi would not have been able to freely express such views at the event. Onanuga urged Obi to be more responsible with his statements and avoid what he described as “playing to the gallery.”

Presidential Aide Bayo Onanuga Warns Peter Obi: ‘Watch Your Words’