Politics
Will End Up As Atiku’s Running Mate In 2027 — Onanuga Declares As Peter Obi Joins ADC
predicting that the move would ultimately reduce Obi to a secondary role
Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has launched a critique of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi following his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), predicting that the move would ultimately reduce Obi to a secondary role in the 2027 elections.
In a strongly worded reaction, Onanuga described Obi as a “wandering politician” whose latest switch — from APGA to PDP, Labour Party and now ADC — underscored what he called a pattern of political instability and unresolved bitterness over the 2023 presidential election.
He said Obi continues to claim he was robbed of victory despite empirical analyses showing he could not have won the election and was “fortunate to even emerge third.”
Onanuga said Obi’s comments at the ADC event, particularly his references to books, professors and foreign models of development, reflected a flawed understanding of leadership.
The spokesperson argued that nations cannot be rebuilt through “copy-and-paste” governance models from countries like the United States or Indonesia, insisting that Nigeria’s development requires homegrown solutions and original thinking.
He also dismissed Obi’s record as Anambra State governor, describing it as underwhelming and insufficient preparation for leading a complex country like Nigeria.
The presidential aide contrasted Obi’s posture with what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration since May 29, 2023.
According to Onanuga, the government has undertaken far-reaching economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy, reduction of dependence on oil revenue, renewed focus on gas development, attraction of foreign and local investments, improved foreign reserves, exchange rate stability and a gradual deceleration of inflation.
He also cited major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, as well as upcoming tax reforms aimed at harmonising the tax system and boosting revenue.
Onanuga said Obi’s defection to ADC — a platform that already houses Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi and other opposition figures — was driven by animosity rather than vision.
He predicted that Obi would ultimately “play second fiddle” within the coalition and end up as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in 2027, repeating what he described as a familiar political pattern.
And, maintained that President Tinubu’s leadership, anchored on strategic reforms and long-term policies, stands in sharp contrast to what he called Obi’s bitterness and lack of leadership pedigree, insisting that the administration’s record will speak louder than opposition rhetoric as the 2027 contest approaches.
