Tinubu's Aide Bayo Onanuga Slams Peter Obi Over One-Term Presidency Claim, Labels Him Politically Untrustworthy

 

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, is again facing criticism over the authenticity of his political promises. Bayo Onanuga, former Director of Media and Publicity for the Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Council, has launched a scathing critique, challenging the credibility and consistency of the former Anambra State Governor’s recent vow to serve only one term if elected president.

Onanuga’s comments surfaced following a growing narrative pushed by Obi’s supporters, suggesting that a one-term presidency would allow Obi to "reset" Nigeria’s governance and politics. However, Onanuga argues this new vow does not align with Obi’s previous record in public service or party loyalty.

He reminded Nigerians that Obi himself did not walk away after one term as governor of Anambra State. Instead, Obi actively sought re-election in 2010 and only narrowly secured victory due to a splintered opposition. To Onanuga, this raises questions about Obi’s current claim of being willing to serve just one term in a more powerful position like the presidency.

While Obi has repeatedly tried to position himself as a morally upright and principled politician, Onanuga believes such a narrative is built on shaky foundations. He claimed that the image of Peter Obi as a man of integrity has been carefully manufactured but does not reflect reality. “You talk about keeping your promises or your vow being your bond,” Onanuga said. “But you and I know that’s not true.”

The criticism intensified with Onanuga pointing to Obi’s past statements on political loyalty. He referenced Obi’s time with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), where the former governor had previously promised never to abandon the party. Despite his public assurances, Obi eventually defected, citing personal and political reasons which Onanuga dismissed as inconsequential. To him, the reasons given only serve as a preview of how easily promises can be broken under the guise of strategic political decisions.

These allegations strike at the heart of Peter Obi’s political branding. Since his 2023 campaign, Obi has built significant momentum, especially among Nigerian youths and urban voters, largely based on the perception that he represents a clean break from the political status quo. His messages on accountability, frugality, and transparency have resonated widely. However, Onanuga’s critique aims to unravel that narrative by exposing what he calls Obi’s pattern of “needless lying and reckless abandon.”

Beyond the party defection and gubernatorial re-election, Onanuga questioned Obi’s actual impact during his eight-year tenure as Anambra State Governor. He asked what tangible transformations were achieved and whether the state could truly be considered better off after Obi’s administration. To him, the absence of significant developmental milestones weakens the idea that Obi can transform Nigeria in just four years.

This latest attack is not entirely unexpected. The political tension between Obi and key figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has remained palpable since the conclusion of the 2023 election. Though Obi and the Labour Party made substantial electoral gains, particularly in urban regions, they ultimately failed to unseat the ruling party. Since then, the rhetoric between both camps has only grown more hostile.

Obi has yet to publicly respond to Onanuga’s most recent remarks. However, his supporters continue to defend his political integrity online, often citing his record of not being personally linked to corruption scandals, his modest lifestyle, and his emphasis on policy-based governance. They argue that no politician is perfect and that shifting party allegiances are a norm in Nigerian politics.

Despite the divided opinions, Onanuga’s criticism could have real implications. For a political figure like Obi, whose appeal hinges largely on perceived honesty and trustworthiness, any challenge to that image is likely to attract widespread attention. As Nigeria inches closer to the next electoral cycle, character narratives are expected to once again take center stage.

Obi’s camp may be forced to confront these allegations more directly if they want to preserve the trust of their growing base. Questions around past inconsistencies, political flexibility, and actual performance in office may ultimately influence whether Obi’s one-term presidency pledge is seen as a noble commitment or yet another unverifiable political promise.