The Presidency has dismissed claims linking President Bola Tinubu to the internal crises affecting opposition political parties, including the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued on Monday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described such allegations as baseless, insisting that the President has no involvement in the challenges facing opposition figures.
Onanuga was responding to comments by former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who had criticised the government over rising insecurity and governance issues.
According to Onanuga, opposition politicians have wrongly made Tinubu their “favourite whipping boy,” adding that the President cannot be blamed for internal disputes within other parties.
He further accused Obi of failing to provide leadership within the Labour Party after contesting the 2023 presidential election under its platform.
“After using the Labour Party, he abandoned it without resolving its crisis,” Onanuga alleged, adding that Obi has struggled to build a strong political structure.
The presidential aide also criticised Obi’s reported association with the ADC, describing the party’s internal challenges as self-inflicted.
“What is the connection between Tinubu and the ADC crisis? Absolutely none,” he said, urging Obi and his allies to focus on resolving their political differences.
Onanuga also downplayed Obi’s political relevance ahead of the 2027 elections, stating that his previous performance does not guarantee future success.
In response, Obi had earlier raised concerns over worsening insecurity across the country, citing recent attacks in Plateau, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Borno, Benue, and Kaduna states.
He described the situation as a failure of leadership, stressing that the primary responsibility of government is to protect lives and property.
The exchange highlights growing political tensions as Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections.
