The Presidency has sharply criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent comment promising to serve only one term if elected President.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, dismissed Obi’s remark as dishonest, accusing him of lying and pretending to be like global leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, or John F. Kennedy.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Onanuga wrote:
“You’re neither a Mandela nor a Lincoln or a Kennedy. You sound as if you have never held an elected office before.”
He questioned why Obi, who served two terms as Governor of Anambra State, didn’t step down after just one term if he truly believed in limiting time in office.
“You sought re-election in 2010 and narrowly won. Why didn’t you walk away after one term?” Onanuga asked.
The presidential aide also challenged Obi’s track record, stating that Anambra did not see significant transformation under his 8-year leadership.
He further accused Obi of breaking political promises in the past, pointing to his defection from APGA, despite previously vowing not to leave the party.
“If we allow excuses for that, you’ll definitely have one for breaking your one-term vow,” Onanuga said.
Obi’s statement on a one-term presidency had drawn attention earlier this week, with many seeing it as part of his push to appear different from traditional politicians ahead of the 2027 elections.
The sharp response from the Presidency underscores the rising political tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures as preparations for the next electoral cycle begin.