President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, arguing that the former Anambra State governor lacks the visionary leadership and enduring legacy associated with President Tinubu.
In a post shared on Wednesday on X, Onanuga dismissed comparisons between Obi and Tinubu, insisting that the two politicians operate on different levels in terms of governance, innovation and long-term impact.
According to the presidential spokesman, Obi did not demonstrate original thinking during his time as governor of Anambra State and left behind little evidence of transformative governance after serving two terms in office.
“Peter Obi has never shown original, authentic thinking. He is a copy-and-paste politician. That explains why he has nothing to showcase as Anambra governor for eight years,” Onanuga wrote.
He further cited remarks allegedly made by Obi’s successor, former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, regarding security challenges during Obi’s administration.
“Willie Obiano, his successor, said Obi failed spectacularly in providing security in the state,” he stated.
Drawing a contrast with Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, Onanuga highlighted several institutions and policy frameworks established during the president’s administration, noting that many of them continue to shape governance and development in the state.
“In contrast with Governor Tinubu in Lagos, Tinubu left LAWMA, LASTMA, LAMATA, RRS, a rail and road masterplan, which is still being executed to this day,” he said.
Onanuga maintained that Nigeria requires a leader with exceptional vision, strategic thinking and a proven record of implementation, qualities he said Tinubu possesses.
“Nigeria deserves a leader who can see beyond the ken of the ordinary people, a leader who is a proven deep thinker and doer. Peter Obi is no match for President Bola Tinubu. They are not on the same level,” he added.
The latest comments add to the ongoing political debate between supporters of President Tinubu and Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 political season, with both camps continuing to defend their preferred leaders’ records in public office.
