The presidency has criticised Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over what it described as political inconsistency and desperation for power.
Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, made the remarks in a post on X.
Onanuga was reacting to a viral video in which Obi appeared to align himself with political figures he had previously criticised.
According to Onanuga, Obi has made a “sharp reversal” by now recognising politicians he once labelled the “structure of criminality” as key leaders.
He said the apparent shift raises questions about Obi’s credibility and dedication to the principles he had previously championed.
In the video and related comments, Obi acknowledged figures such as David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi as influential leaders within Nigeria’s political space.
The presidency noted that this stance contrasts sharply with Obi’s posture during the last election cycle, when he sought to distance himself from what he portrayed as a corrupt and discredited political establishment.
Onanuga argued that Obi’s remarks undermine that earlier narrative and indicate a pattern of shifting positions motivated by political ambition.
He said embracing figures once condemned suggests a willingness to abandon past convictions whenever they no longer align with current political interests.
The presidency also criticised Obi’s handling of his supporters, suggesting his recent statements imply that those who trusted his earlier message may have been misled.
According to Onanuga, the episode reinforces concerns that Obi lacks ideological consistency, altering his stance according to alliances and prevailing political dynamics.
The presidency concluded that effective leadership requires consistency and clarity, which it said are missing in Obi’s political conduct.
The post reads: “Peter Obi has set a new record for political desperation. In his pursuit of the presidency, he has shown himself to be unprincipled a politician willing to go back on his words, abandon his political platform if it is no longer a significant factor in his political calculus or permutations, and even ‘eat his own vomit’.”
“In his politics of desperation, he is willing to associate with anyone, including those he had previously pilloried. He can make U-turns on any matter even on his political ideology, if he has one.
“He certainly lacks the character of a reliable political leader. No one can be sure where he stands on any issue. He shifts with the wind and the trends on X.
“As this video clip shows, Obi has now thrown his supporters under the bus, further underscoring his series of contradictions and confusion.”
