Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has urged former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to be cautious with his comments after Obi stated that democracy in Nigeria has collapsed. Speaking at a colloquium for former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, Obi argued that progress made since the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999 has been lost. He metaphorically described the political situation as one where earlier advancements were dismantled, leading to a state where “everything has been knocked down and nothing works.” Obi emphasized his perspective as someone who became governor through the courts during the Obasanjo-Atiku administration.
Peter Obi claimed he didn’t pay any bribes to win his governorship, stating that the court declared him the winner while other political leaders were not looking—a situation he believes wouldn’t occur in Nigeria today. In response, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, criticized Obi’s comments, labeling them exaggerated and unfounded. Onanuga argued that democracy in Nigeria has become stronger over the past 26 years and that if it had truly collapsed, Obi would not have been able to speak freely at the event. He advised Obi to be more cautious with his statements and avoid misleading the public.