Abuja, NIGERIA – The Presidency has launched a scathing attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, dismissing allegations that President Bola Tinubu is orchestrating the ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued on Monday, April 6, 2026, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the accusations as “blackmail” and “sheer baloney,” aimed at unfairly tarnishing the President’s democratic credentials.
Okay News gathered that Onanuga accused Obi of political incompetence, alleging that he abandoned the Labour Party in a classic case of “use-and-dump” after failing to demonstrate the leadership required to resolve its internal squabbles. The presidential aide also criticized Obi’s reliance on the online-driven ‘Obidient’ movement—which Onanuga controversially labeled as the politician’s “IPOB base”—pointing out his inability to transform the movement into an organic political party from scratch.
Addressing the recent opposition realignments, Onanuga claimed that the ADC is merely a “Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)” recently acquired by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from Ralph Nwosu. He argued that Obi and his co-travellers failed to conduct proper due diligence before joining the platform, leading to the nightmare they currently face.
“What is the connection of Tinubu with the ADC crisis? Absolutely none. Whatever problem they have is self-inflicted,” the statement read in part. Onanuga advised Obi and his allies to clear their mess and settle with aggrieved members like Nafiu Gombe rather than using the President as a “whipping boy.”
Looking ahead to the next election cycle, the Presidency dismissed Obi’s current political weight. “As of now, Obi, without being made a candidate, is inconsequential for 2027,” Onanuga declared, emphasizing that coming third in 2023 does not guarantee a similar showing in the future. He noted that the 2027 cycle will be vastly different, as President Tinubu will be running as an incumbent with numerous achievements to flaunt.
