Presidency to Obi: Be matured in your public statement

The Presidency has rebutted claims by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi that democracy in Nigeria has collapsed and advised him to be matured in his public statement.

It called Obi’s remarks “hyperbolic” and “lacking logical foundation.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said democracy in the country has been strengthened over the past 26 years.

“How can a democracy that has strengthened over the past 26 years be said to have collapsed?” Onanuga asked in a post on his verified X handle @aonanuga1956.

“Only a discontented … Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall through his lens,” he added.

Obi had at a colloquium organised by former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, on Monday lamented the state of governance in the country.

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However, the Presidency argued that the ability of the former Anambra State governor to freely express such views was in itself proof that democracy remains intact.

“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,” Onanuga stated.

He urged Obi to be more measured in his public statements, warning against what he described as playing to the gallery.

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