The recent defection of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has prompted a strong reaction from the presidency.

President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, responded in a statement.

The statement claims that Obi, who officially joined the ADC after quitting the Labour Party, has a history of switching parties frequently, going from APGA to PDP, then Labour, and now ADC.

Obi was characterised by the Presidency as a “wandering politician” who is still resentful of his third-place result in the 2023 presidential contest.

Obi’s allegations that he was denied victory are baseless, according to Bayo Onanuga, who pointed out that studies of the 2023 election suggested he was unlikely to win and that his third-place result in the South East was primarily the result of unusual polling data.

The Presidency also questioned Obi’s performance as Anambra State’s governor, characterising his eight-year term as a failure.

Obi’s claims for national leadership, which are based on foreign models and scholarly references, should be interpreted cautiously, according to the statement.

“No leader can move a country forward by simply copying and pasting models from elsewhere. Nations require original thinkers, not copycats,” the statement said, emphasising the need for homegrown solutions in Nigeria’s development.

The event was used by the presidency to promote the accomplishments of President Bola Tinubu’s government since May 29, 2023.

Among the notable achievements mentioned are: Nigeria’s economy should be restructured, and unnecessary fuel subsidies should be eliminated.

Decreased reliance on oil through the growth of the gas industry and the draw of both domestic and international investment. reduction of inflation and stabilisation of foreign reserves and exchange rates.

Large-scale infrastructure projects, including as the Sokoto-Badagry and Lagos-Calabar superhighways, were previously deemed unfeasible by Obi and his supporters.

Tax reforms are scheduled to start in January 2026 with the goals of improving revenue, raising the tax-to-GDP ratio, and harmonising Nigeria’s tax system.

The statement framed these initiatives as evidence of “effective leadership anchored in strategic policies and reforms” and contrasted them with Obi’s limited governance experience.

In addition, the Presidency conjectured about Obi’s possible involvement in national politics after his defection.

It implied that, like Atiku Abubakar in 2019, Obi would likely play a supporting position in the ADC, perhaps as a running mate to a prominent candidate in the 2027 elections.

In conclusion, the Presidency called Peter Obi’s action “politically opportunistic,” stressing that Nigeria needs proven leadership and domestic solutions rather than models inspired by other countries.

The statement reaffirmed faith in the continuous reforms and accomplishments of the Tinubu administration.

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