In what has become a recurring nightmare for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s media team, Labour Party leader Peter Obi continues to give presidential spokespersons sleepless nights with his fiery criticisms and unrelenting presence in national discourse.
From Bayo Onanuga to Daniel Bwala, the president’s media handlers have found themselves constantly on the defensive, responding to Obi’s statements that hit directly at the heart of Tinubu’s leadership style and policy direction.
Obi, known for his calm delivery but sharp commentary, has been a consistent thorn in the side of the presidency. His recent criticisms of Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips — which he described as extravagant and disconnected from Nigeria’s harsh economic realities — drew wide public attention and sparked debate across media platforms.
“The money used for these endless trips could help fix basic infrastructure or support struggling SMEs,” Obi stated in a widely shared video. He also called for the president to embark on a “nationwide listening tour” to witness firsthand the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
This didn’t sit well with the presidency. Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, fired back, accusing Obi of trying to “inflame ethnic and religious divisions” for political gain. Daniel Bwala, another pro-Tinubu voice, labelled Obi’s statements “dangerous populism.”
Still, the more they fire back, the more Obi seems to gain ground. His words resonate with many Nigerians — especially the youth — who see him as the voice of accountability in a political environment where spin often overshadows substance.
“Obi is not just a political opponent — he’s a media phenomenon,” a political analyst said. “His ability to dominate narratives and speak directly to public frustrations is what makes him such a challenge for Tinubu’s handlers.”
As 2027 looms on the horizon, one thing is clear: Peter Obi remains more than just a critic. He is the deep headache the Tinubu media team can’t shake off — and perhaps their greatest communication challenge yet.
