- Safiu Kehinde
The Presidency has talked down the chances of Peter Obi securing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, stressing that the former Anambra state governor will end up being a running mate to former Vice Abubakar in 2027.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made this known in a statement issued on his official X handle on Wednesday.
Reacting to Obi’s defection from the Labour Party to the ADC, Onanuga faulted the former Presidential candidate’s address at his official defection ceremony held in Enugu yesterday.
The ex-Anambra governor had reportedly declared having secret to national development while seeking Nigeria’s emulation of developed countries.
While stating that Obi lacks leadership pedigree, Onanuga maintained that his suggestion of Nigeria’s emulation of other countries showed flaws in his reasoning.
The Presidential held that proper developments are built on homegrown solutions which he claimed Tinubu had adopted.
“Obi sorely lacks the leadership pedigree, beyond being a successful importer, only the madman he consults in Onitsha would be comfortable handing over Nigeria to him.
“However, Obi’s reasoning is flawed. Nations are not identical, and what worked in Indonesia or the USA may not necessarily work in Nigeria.
“No leader can move a country forward by simply copying and pasting models from elsewhere. Nations require original thinkers, not copycats.
“Homegrown solutions are essential for proper development.
“This is precisely what President Bola Tinubu has been doing since May 29, 2023—a fact that Obi is too consumed by animosity and his small-mindedness to acknowledge.” Onanuga said.
While highlighting some of Tinubu’s accomplishments since the commencement of his administration, the Presidential aide accused Obi of being blind to the achievements.
He then added that the ex-Anambra governor’s defection to ADC will see him end up serving as Atiku’s running mate like he did in 2019.