Tinubu Camp Slams Peter Obi as Political Battle Intensifies

ABUJA — Nigeria’s Presidency has launched one of its strongest attacks yet on Peter Obi, with presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga describing the opposition figure as “overhyped” and arguing that he lacks the governance record required to lead Africa’s largest democracy.

The remarks, posted on X on Saturday, mark another escalation in the increasingly combative exchanges between President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Obi, who is seeking the presidency again in the 2027 general election. The comments come as political campaigns gather momentum and both camps intensify efforts to shape the national conversation.

Onanuga dismissed the former Anambra State governor’s leadership credentials, insisting that popularity and social media enthusiasm are not substitutes for proven governance. He argued that anyone aspiring to become Nigeria’s president must demonstrate a credible record in public office, while accusing Obi of frequently changing his policy positions.

The Presidency’s criticism follows weeks of sustained attacks on Obi by senior presidential aides. Earlier this month, officials accused him of refusing to accept the outcome of the 2023 presidential election and characterized his continued insistence that he won the poll as politically arrogant, maintaining that the Supreme Court’s judgment settled the dispute.

Obi has repeatedly rejected those claims and has continued to position himself as the leading alternative to the Tinubu administration. In recent public appearances, he has criticized the government over rising living costs, insecurity and public spending, while promising a presidency built on fiscal discipline, institutional reform and direct accountability.

His supporters have also defended his record in Anambra, pointing to investments in education, healthcare and prudent financial management during his eight-year tenure as governor. The Obi Media Office has argued that his experience demonstrates the competence and character needed to confront Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges, directly rejecting suggestions that he lacks executive credentials.

The latest exchange reflects the sharp polarization already defining the race for 2027. President Tinubu is expected to seek re-election under the ruling All Progressives Congress, while Obi is contesting on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress after opposition coalition talks collapsed earlier this year. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is also in the race, setting up another fiercely contested multi-candidate election.

Beyond the personal attacks, the dispute highlights the central question likely to dominate Nigeria’s next presidential campaign: whether voters will judge candidates by their past records in office or by competing visions for tackling the country’s deepening economic and security challenges. As campaigning intensifies, that contest over credibility may prove just as decisive as the battle for votes.