Presidency knocks Peter Obi over collapsing democracy statement

The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, that democracy in Nigeria is collapsing.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, described Obi’s remarks as mere sensationalism aimed at grabbing headlines.

He stated that Nigeria’s democracy remains intact despite existing challenges and that Obi’s claims lacked depth and factual backing.

Obi had voiced concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria while speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha.

He cited the alleged unconstitutional declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of a duly elected governor, describing them as threats to democratic principles.

Reacting to these claims, Onanuga stated that democracy in Nigeria has been sustained for 26 years and questioned Obi’s assertion that it had collapsed.

“Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall through his lens,” Onanuga wrote in a post on X.

He added that if democracy had indeed collapsed, Obi would not have had the freedom to make such statements publicly.

The presidential aide urged the former governor to refrain from making alarmist remarks and avoid playing to the gallery.