Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has come under intense criticism online following his remarks about former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Onanuga, who spoke at an event on Saturday, was quoted as describing Obi as “overhyped” and “overrated,” while also questioning his performance as governor of Anambra State.
The comments, widely reported by media organisations, have triggered a wave of reactions from Nigerians on social media, with several participants accusing the presidential aide of deliberately attacking Obi ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some of the online commentators argued that Onanuga’s repeated criticism of Obi could be part of the job of defending the Tinubu administration and undermining a major political opponent.
One of the commentators, Donatud Okechukwu, challenged Onanuga to leave his appointment as a presidential aide and test his own popularity at the polls.
“Onanuga, join the presidential race and assess your credibility to the nation. Not messenger appointment.”
Another commentator, Bernard Ejike, said Obi represents what he described as a possible solution to Nigeria’s problems, urging Onanuga to stop recycling what he called old narratives.
“Those are older narratives. We are presently discussing a new Nigeria that will return to her former glory with Obi.”
Adeleke Adisa, another participant, suggested that some of those who frequently attack Obi could be doing so because of their political appointments.
“Without Peter Obi, these guys will be jobless. Tinubu employed them to comment about Peter Obi.”
For Agwu Nkpa, the issue should go beyond exchanges between political supporters and focus on direct accountability from those seeking the nation’s highest office.
Under the heading “Who Is Really Clueless – Obi or Tinubu?”, Nkpa questioned why President Tinubu does not engage Nigerians more frequently through live interviews, debates and town-hall meetings.
He argued that Nigerians should be allowed to compare political candidates based on their records, policies and ability to answer questions directly rather than through statements issued by aides and supporters.
Nkpa also challenged the President to engage Nigerians personally as he seeks another mandate, including through live presidential debates, television interviews, radio question-and-answer sessions and town-hall meetings.
He said every presidential candidate should be treated as a “job seeker” whose record must be subjected to rigorous public scrutiny.
The online reactions highlight the increasingly heated political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections, with supporters of different political camps using social media to defend their preferred candidates and challenge their opponents.
For many Nigerians joining the debate, however, the bigger question is not simply who is “clueless” or “overhyped,” but who can present credible ideas, defend a verifiable record and convince voters that they deserve their mandate.
The controversy also underscores the growing demand among voters for presidential candidates to engage Nigerians directly and answer questions about the country’s economy, security, jobs, infrastructure and the rising cost of living.
Ukata News
