In a sharp political attack, an aide to President Bola Tinubu has derided Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, following his formal defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The move, seen as a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, has ignited fresh controversy.
Onanuga's Scathing Critique on Social Media
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, to launch a verbal assault on Peter Obi. Onanuga labeled Obi a "wandering politician" and questioned his leadership credentials.
He criticised Obi's political journey, noting his transitions from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), then to the Labour Party, and now to the ADC. Onanuga asserted that Obi remains "bitter" about his third-place finish in the 2023 presidential election, despite analyses suggesting he could not have won.
The Defection Event in Enugu
The verbal attack followed a significant political event in Enugu State, where Peter Obi officially joined the ADC. The ceremony, held on December 31, 2025, was attended by numerous supporters and some prominent public figures who also defected alongside him.
This strategic move is widely interpreted as a substantial boost for the ADC, a party now actively repositioning itself to become a formidable platform for a united opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Obi had earlier in 2025 declared his intention to run in the 2027 presidential election.
Political Repercussions and Reactions
Onanuga further speculated on Obi's future, predicting that the former Anambra State governor would ultimately end up as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2027, reprising their 2019 PDP ticket. "Obi is so blind that he cannot see Tinubu's achievements," Onanuga added in his post.
In a related development, Atiku Abubakar himself welcomed Obi to the ADC. The former presidential candidate expressed optimism about building a "robust working relationship" to foster a strong opposition capable of forming a government that ensures prosperity and peace for Nigerians.
The defection triggered significant discussions on social media platforms, with the topic trending for most of the day. Analysts suggest this realignment could dramatically alter the opposition landscape as the country gears up for the next electoral cycle.
