ABUJA — A scathing statement from the Presidency targeting Peter Obi’s move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has sparked a firestorm, with political observers suggesting the vitriol exposes a deep-seated fear within the ruling party over Obi’s 2027 prospects.
Bayo Onanuga, spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, released a blistering critique of Obi’s latest defection, labelling him a “political nomad” and an “opportunistic fellow made of jelly.” Onanuga dismissed Obi’s reasons for leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as “puerile” and “illogical,” predicting the move would lead the former governor to “political doom.”
However, the sheer aggression and “bigot-laced” tone of the remarks have led many to ask: Why is the Presidency so bothered?
Fear of the Unpredictable Variable
While the APC administration has often projected confidence in its ability to defeat perennial candidate Atiku Abubakar, the response to Obi’s realignment suggests a different level of concern. Critics argue that the Presidency is largely indifferent to Atiku’s moves, viewing him as a known quantity. In contrast, Peter Obi’s ability to mobilize a massive, independent base and his new alliance with Rabiu Kwankwaso in the NDC represent a “wild card” that the ruling party has failed to neutralize.
While the APC administration has often projected confidence in its ability to defeat perennial candidate Atiku Abubakar, the response to Obi’s realignment suggests a different level of concern. Critics argue that the Presidency is largely indifferent to Atiku’s moves, viewing him as a known quantity. In contrast, Peter Obi’s ability to mobilize a massive, independent base and his new alliance with Rabiu Kwankwaso in the NDC represent a “wild card” that the ruling party has failed to neutralize.
“The anger in Onanuga’s statement is telling,” noted one political analyst. “If Obi were truly irrelevant or ‘made of jelly,’ the Presidency would ignore him. Instead, they are reacting with a level of hostility that suggests they are unsure of how to contain the ‘OK Movement’ (Obi-Kwankwaso) ahead of 2027.”
Defection as a Right, Not a Crime
Under Nigerian law, Peter Obi maintains the constitutional right to join any political platform he chooses. The Presidency’s attempt to frame his exit from the ADC as “fleeing” a fight with Atiku or Amaechi is being viewed by supporters as a desperate narrative shift.
Under Nigerian law, Peter Obi maintains the constitutional right to join any political platform he chooses. The Presidency’s attempt to frame his exit from the ADC as “fleeing” a fight with Atiku or Amaechi is being viewed by supporters as a desperate narrative shift.
Insiders suggest the real frustration within the APC stems from Obi’s successful escape from the “Electoral Act trap.” By moving to the NDC before the ADC primaries were “dollarized” or legally locked in, Obi has maintained his viability—a move that clearly caught the ruling party’s strategists off guard.
Targeting the Messenger
The focus on Obi’s character rather than policy further highlights the personal nature of the attack. By labeling his musings as “self-serving letters to his mob,” the Presidency continues to lean on rhetoric that many describe as divisive.
The focus on Obi’s character rather than policy further highlights the personal nature of the attack. By labeling his musings as “self-serving letters to his mob,” the Presidency continues to lean on rhetoric that many describe as divisive.
As the 2027 race takes shape, the NDC is positioning itself as the primary opposition “rescue vehicle.” The Presidency’s heated reaction may have inadvertently confirmed what many suspected: that while they are ready for Atiku, they remain profoundly unsettled by the resilience of Peter Obi.
