A statement made by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi at the Emeka Ihedioha Colloquium has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from presidential aide Bayo Onanuga.
Speaking at the event, Obi lamented the state of governance in Nigeria, declaring that democracy in the country has collapsed. He said:
“Democracy has collapsed in Nigeria. Everything has been knocked down. We are in a situation where we should stop lamenting and start rebuilding.”
Obi cited the recent political turmoil in Rivers State, including the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the state assembly, as evidence of the country’s failing democratic structures. He argued that such incidents reflect a broader breakdown of the rule of law and democratic governance.
Reacting to Obi’s statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, took to social media to dismiss Obi’s remarks as exaggerated and unfounded. In a tweet, he wrote:
“I listened multiple times to former Governor Peter Obi’s statement in this clip, where he claims that democracy has collapsed in Nigeria. His hyperbolic remarks, suited for headlines, have been made without deep reflection and lack a solid logical foundation. How can a democracy that has strengthened over the past 26 years be said to have 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.
If democracy had indeed collapsed, as Peter claims, and we were living under a regime antithetical to democratic principles, he would not have been able to make his comments on Monday at Emeka Ihedioha’s colloquium. I will urge him to watch what he says and restrain himself from playing to the gallery.”
This exchange adds to the ongoing political tensions between Obi, a vocal opposition figure, and Tinubu’s administration. While Obi continues to criticize governance in Nigeria, Onanuga and the ruling party insist that democracy remains intact and is progressively strengthening.