Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, has reacted sharply to the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a continuation of what he termed Obi’s “political wanderings” and lingering bitterness over the outcome of the 2023 general election.
In a strongly worded commentary on Wednesday, Onanuga said Obi’s exit from the Labour Party and entry into the ADC, nearly three years after the 2023 polls, underscored what he alleged was the former Anambra State governor’s inability to come to terms with finishing third in the presidential race.
Onanuga claimed that Obi has continued to insist he was denied victory in the election, an assertion he argued was contradicted by what he described as empirical analyses of the polls.
According to him, the former Labour Party candidate was “fortunate” to have emerged third, citing what he called “anomalous” voting figures from the South East.
He further criticised Obi’s remarks at the ADC event, where the former presidential candidate reportedly referenced books, academic works and international development models to justify his political philosophy.
Onanuga argued that such comparisons were misplaced, insisting that Nigeria’s challenges required “homegrown solutions” rather than the adoption of foreign models.
The presidential aide also questioned Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, alleging that his eight-year tenure did not demonstrate the leadership capacity required to govern Nigeria.
In contrast, Onanuga praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the government had, since May 29, 2023, implemented far-reaching reforms.
He listed the removal of petrol subsidy, economic restructuring, gas sector development, rising foreign reserves, exchange rate stabilisation, decelerating inflation and major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar and Sokoto–Badagry superhighways as evidence of what he described as effective leadership.
He also noted that planned tax reforms expected to commence in January would harmonise Nigeria’s tax system, improve revenue generation and enhance economic prosperity.
Onanuga concluded by predicting that Obi’s move to the ADC could see him play a secondary role ahead of the 2027 elections, drawing parallels with the former governor’s vice-presidential candidacy in 2019.
Peter Obi formally joined the ADC on Monday, marking his latest party switch after previous stints with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party.+See more details
His defection has continued to generate strong reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
