The Nigerian presidency has strongly criticized comments made by Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, regarding the state of democracy in the country.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, dismissed Obi’s claim that democracy in Nigeria is collapsing. He described Obi’s statement as a mere headline-seeking remark that lacked deep reflection and factual basis.
Obi had expressed concerns about Nigeria’s democratic state while speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha. He cited incidents such as the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of a duly elected governor and state officers by the president, calling these actions unconstitutional and illegal.
In response, Onanuga argued that Nigeria’s democracy, which has evolved over 26 years, cannot be said to have collapsed. In a post on X, he wrote:
“Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall through his lens. If democracy had indeed collapsed, as Peter claims, and we were living under a regime antithetical to democratic principles, he would not have been able to make his comments on Monday at Emeka Ihedioha’s colloquium.”
The presidential aide urged Obi to be more responsible in his statements and avoid making remarks that could mislead the public.
