Presidency to Opposition: Don’t Blame Tinubu for Your Political Setbacks

The Presidency has firmly denied claims suggesting President Bola Tinubu is responsible for recent disruptions affecting opposition party activities, labelling the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, addressed the matter during an appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time on Thursday night.

He stressed that the President had no involvement in the alleged sabotage of opposition events, particularly those connected to a budding coalition involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and other opposition figures under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“There is a tendency in Nigeria to blame President Tinubu for everything,” Onanuga said. “Some of these incidents happened while he was not even in the country.”

Opposition parties had earlier accused the government of covertly obstructing their meetings, including the abrupt cancellation of booked venues and increased security presence around gathering locations, forcing members to walk long distances to the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

Dismissing those reports, Onanuga insisted the Tinubu administration remains committed to democratic principles, including freedom of expression and political association.

“If a hotel cancels a booking, does that automatically mean Tinubu gave the order? That logic is flawed,” he said. “This government allows freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of political assembly.”

Onanuga also commented on the alliance between Atiku and Obi, cautioning that political mergers do not necessarily translate into electoral success. “Atiku has contested more presidential elections than any other candidate, yet continues to fall short,” he noted. “Even in 2023, his strategy heavily relied on northern support, which alienated southern voters. Obi joining him now doesn’t guarantee a different outcome.”

He emphasized that President Tinubu still enjoys widespread support in the North, citing top-level appointments and favorable policies as evidence of goodwill toward the region.

“This administration has shown goodwill to the North through inclusive appointments and impactful initiatives,” Onanuga added. “When the time comes, the President will draw from the goodwill he has built across the country.”