Juliet Ezeh
The Presidency has issued a strong rebuttal to former Anambra Governor Peter Obi over his recent comments regarding the ongoing crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement released on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, described Obi’s attacks as “baseless” and emphasized that the turmoil within ADC is entirely self-inflicted.
Onanuga pointed to Obi’s track record with the Labour Party as an example of what he described as a pattern of “use-and-dump” political behaviour. According to the statement, Obi leveraged the Labour Party to contest the 2023 presidential election but failed to provide long-term leadership to address the party’s internal challenges. Subsequently, Obi turned his attention to the Obidient movement, a largely online campaign base that has not been transformed into a formal political structure capable of sustaining electoral ambitions.
“Knowing he needs a party structure to pursue his presidential ambitions, Obi moved to the hijacked ADC, an SPV allegedly acquired by Atiku Abubakar from Ralph Nwosu. No due diligence appears to have been conducted by the new owners, resulting in the current turmoil,” Onanuga stated. The Presidency argues that Obi’s attempts to link President Tinubu to ADC’s leadership crisis are “sheer baloney” and an unfair attempt to cast doubt on the incumbent’s democratic credentials.
Political analysts say this exchange highlights the complex interplay between party politics and presidential campaigns in Nigeria. With the 2027 elections approaching, the stakes for securing a stable political structure are high. ADC, which has been embroiled in internal leadership disputes since 2025, now faces heightened scrutiny as parties and aspirants jockey for influence. Obi’s move to the party has, according to the Presidency, exposed weaknesses in both strategy and governance, reinforcing the importance of due diligence in political maneuvering.
“The situation illustrates a critical lesson for Nigerian politics: the durability of a political ambition relies on institutional structures, not just online popularity or media campaigns,” said a political strategist. Analysts note that the Obidient movement, while influential on social media, lacks the organizational depth required to function as a full-scale political party. Obi’s reliance on this network underscores a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where personality-driven campaigns are sometimes disconnected from formal party mechanisms.
The Presidency also defended Tinubu’s record, arguing that as the incumbent, the President has tangible achievements that deserve recognition. “President Tinubu, as the incumbent, has achievements to showcase, yet Obi has been blind to acknowledge them. Let him first become a legitimate candidate before casting aspersions,” Onanuga added. By framing the dispute this way, the Presidency reinforces the narrative that political legitimacy in Nigeria rests not only on popularity but also on adherence to proper party structures and governance processes.
Obi’s critics, including the Presidency, suggest that public figures must exercise caution when attributing blame, particularly regarding internal party crises. Analysts argue that misdirected political attacks can detract from substantive debate on governance, policy, and electoral preparedness. In this instance, the Presidency maintains that ADC’s leadership disputes are internal matters that should be resolved by party stakeholders rather than externalizing them onto the office of the President.
The statement also underscores the broader issue of political accountability. Party crises, such as those experienced by ADC, often stem from weak internal governance, factionalism, or contested leadership transitions. For aspiring presidential candidates like Obi, ensuring stability and demonstrating capacity to manage party affairs is critical. Experts say that voters increasingly evaluate candidates based not only on campaign rhetoric but also on organizational competence and the ability to navigate complex political landscapes.
Furthermore, the commentary highlights the tension between political narratives and public perception. While Obi’s supporters may see his critique as a defense of democracy or fair political practice, the Presidency frames it as an attempt to unfairly tarnish Tinubu’s record. This clash reflects the delicate balance in Nigerian politics between advocacy, criticism, and responsible communication. Missteps, even in verbal commentary, can influence both media coverage and public opinion.
Looking ahead, the 2027 elections promise to be highly competitive, with multiple actors vying for influence. Analysts note that internal party conflicts, if left unresolved, could undermine candidates’ national campaigns. The ADC crisis serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing that strategic planning, party management, and due diligence are essential for any aspirant seeking national office.
In conclusion, the Presidency’s response to Peter Obi highlights the complex dynamics of Nigerian party politics and the importance of accountability in political discourse. While the former Anambra Governor has criticized ADC’s internal turmoil, the government frames the issue as self-inflicted and unrelated to the President. This exchange underscores the need for political aspirants to prioritize organizational competence, transparency, and credible leadership as they position themselves for future elections.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.