- Obi Lacks Leadership Pedigree, Only a Madman Would Hand Him Power – Presidency
- …says no leader can move country forward by copying, pasting models elsewhere
- Says tax reforms scheduled to begin in January 2026 would harmonise Nigeria’s fragmented tax system
The Presidency has launched a sharp attack on former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying it would take “a madman” to be comfortable handing over power to him.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the reaction came on Wednesday from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following Obi’s remarks in Enugu, where he formally announced his defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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Responding via his verified X handle, Onanuga accused Obi of bitterness and questioned his leadership credentials, particularly his record as governor of Anambra State.
According to Onanuga, Obi’s repeated references to books, academics and foreign development models were attempts to portray himself as uniquely qualified to lead Nigeria, a claim he dismissed as misleading.
He described Obi’s 8-year tenure as governor as a failure, arguing that Obi lacked the leadership pedigree required to govern a complex country like Nigeria.
Onanuga further stated that Obi’s approach to governance relied too heavily on copying models from other countries, insisting that national development requires locally tailored solutions rather than imported ideas.
He maintained that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated this approach since assuming office on May 29, 2023, citing economic restructuring, the removal of petrol subsidies, reduced dependence on oil revenue, and increased focus on gas development.
The presidential spokesman also pointed to rising foreign reserves, exchange rate stability, easing inflation and major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway as evidence of the administration’s performance.
Onanuga added that the tax reforms scheduled to begin in January 2026 would harmonise Nigeria’s fragmented tax system, improve revenue generation and boost economic growth.
He concluded by alleging that Obi’s defection to the ADC was politically inconsequential, claiming that the former governor would likely play a secondary role and eventually emerge as a vice-presidential candidate in 2027, as he did in 2019.
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