…Tinubu urges Obi to refrain from making alarming statements that could mislead the public.
The Nigerian presidency has strongly criticized Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, over his recent remarks on the state of democracy in the country.
Obi Decries State of Governance
Obi, while speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, decried the state of governance, alleging that democracy in Nigeria had been “completely knocked down.” He referenced the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of an elected governor and state officials, describing these actions as unconstitutional.
Presidency Dismisses Allegations
However, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, dismissed Obi’s statement, calling it a sensational claim meant for headlines rather than a reflection of reality.
“I have listened to Peter Obi speak multiple times, and I wonder how he can claim that democracy has collapsed when he himself benefits from its freedoms,” Onanuga said in a post on X.
The presidential aide further remarked that if Nigeria’s democratic system had truly crumbled, Obi wouldn’t have had the liberty to make such public comments.
“Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who enjoys the privileges of free speech under democracy, could paint such a grim picture,” he added.
Onanuga urged Obi to refrain from what he described as misleading statements and avoid playing to the gallery with alarmist rhetoric.
