Tinubu Govt. Confronts Mounting Scrutiny As Peter Obi Dismisses Trump Invitation Allegation And Accuses Government Of Deflection

 

Peter Obi has firmly dismissed allegations suggesting that he had any role in drawing United States President Donald Trump into conversations surrounding Nigeria’s escalating security concerns. The former Labour Party presidential candidate addressed the matter through a statement issued by Ibrahim Umar, spokesperson of the Peter Obi Media Reach, stressing that the narrative being circulated by the Presidency is both baseless and politically motivated.

The controversy emerged after Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, claimed the government would not forgive Obi for purportedly inviting Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s domestic affairs. Obi’s camp described this assertion as a deliberate falsehood crafted to stir tension and mislead the public.

Clarifying his position, Obi emphasized that the broader international attention Nigeria currently receives stems from well known issues regarding governance failures and rising insecurity. He argued that none of these developments can be attributed to him and urged Nigerians to disregard what he considers intentional distortions aimed at smearing his image.

A notable portion of the statement criticised what Obi’s team views as the Presidency’s persistent fixation on him. According to Umar, government officials appear unable to detach themselves from Obi’s influence because his message of accountable leadership highlights weaknesses in the administration’s performance. This, he said, has become a source of anxiety and defensiveness within the corridors of power.

The statement further accused Onanuga of interpreting his role as a constant search for opportunities to attack Obi instead of communicating government policies meaningfully. His comments were described as calculated attempts to divert attention from pressing issues such as insecurity, rising living costs and deepening corruption challenges affecting citizens nationwide.

Obi’s supporters maintained that the administration seems focused on political point scoring rather than addressing the urgent needs of Nigerians. They argued that when a government lacks a clear plan for the future, it often resorts to creating false narratives around opposition figures. This tactic, they said, helps shift public discourse away from governance shortcomings that continue to fuel hardship across the country.

Obi reaffirmed his commitment to issue based engagement, stating that he refuses to be drawn into petty political exchanges. His activities around the world, the statement noted, remain centred on learning opportunities and humanitarian initiatives intended to uplift vulnerable Nigerians who feel abandoned by federal leadership.

The statement concluded with a call to citizens to remain vigilant and avoid falling for political misinformation. Nigerians were encouraged to stay focused on working toward a more productive and equitable nation, regardless of attempts to distract them with unverified claims or sensationalised accusations.