President Bola Tinubu has cautioned former presidential candidate Peter Obi against making inflammatory remarks that discredit his administration.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the presidency criticized Mr. Obi’s “exaggerated” condemnation of the government, particularly his claims that democracy in Nigeria has collapsed due to political brigandage and corruption.
The presidency strongly rejected these assertions.
“I will urge him to watch what he says and restrain himself from playing to the gallery,” Mr. Onanuga stated. “His hyperbolic remarks, suited for headlines, have been made without deep reflection and lack a solid logical foundation.”
Describing Mr. Obi as a “discontented and disgruntled” politician, the presidential aide argued that his statements contradict the democratic freedoms he enjoys.
“How can a democracy that has strengthened over the past 26 years be said to have collapsed?” Mr. Onanuga asked. “Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall through his lens.”
He further emphasized that if democracy had truly collapsed, Mr. Obi would not have been able to publicly express his views.
“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.”
At the same event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo also criticized the Tinubu administration, adding to the growing political discourse surrounding the government’s performance.
