Presidency attack on Peter Obi intensifies as Bayo Onanuga criticises his leadership record and compares him unfavourably with Tinubu

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has launched a sharp attack on Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing him as a “copy-and-paste politician” who cannot match President Bola Tinubu in leadership capacity.

Also read: Peter Obi urges unity after NDC primary disputes

Onanuga made the comments in a post on his verified X account on Wednesday, where he criticised Obi’s leadership record and questioned his performance during his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State.

Presidency attack on Peter Obi comes amid growing political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both camps increasingly trading public criticisms over governance records and policy achievements.

Onanuga argued that Peter Obi had “nothing original” to showcase from his time in office, contrasting him with President Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor, which he said produced long-term infrastructure planning still being implemented today.

He further claimed that Obi’s former administration was criticised for its handling of security issues, citing remarks allegedly made by his successor, Willie Obiano.

According to Onanuga, Nigeria requires a leader with deep strategic thinking and proven executive ability, insisting that President Tinubu stands far above his political rivals in that regard.

“Peter Obi has never shown original, authentic thinking. He is a copy-and-paste politician,” Onanuga stated, adding that the former governor was “no match” for President Tinubu.

The comments add to a series of increasingly heated exchanges between supporters of both politicians, reflecting the early build-up to what is expected to be a fiercely contested election cycle.

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The Presidency attack on Peter Obi is likely to fuel further debate within Nigeria’s political landscape, where questions of performance, legacy and leadership style remain central to voter sentiment.