The Presidency has criticised former Anambra State Governor and leading figure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, accusing him of political inconsistency and desperation for power.
The accusation was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), reacting to a viral video in which Obi appeared to align himself with political figures he had previously condemned.
According to Onanuga, Obi has made a sharp reversal by now referring to politicians he once described as a “structure of criminality” as respected leaders. He said the shift raises serious questions about Obi’s credibility and commitment to the principles he previously championed.
In the video and related comments, Obi acknowledged figures such as David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi as key leaders within Nigeria’s political space.
The Presidency noted that Obi’s latest stance contrasts sharply with his posture during the last election cycle, when he built his campaign around distancing himself from what he portrayed as a corrupt and discredited political establishment.
Onanuga argued that Obi’s recent remarks undermine that earlier narrative and point instead to a pattern of shifting positions driven by political ambition.
He said that embracing figures previously criticised suggests a willingness to abandon past convictions when they no longer align with present political interests.
The Presidency also criticised Obi’s handling of his supporters, suggesting that his recent comments imply that those who believed in his earlier message were misled.
According to Onanuga, the episode reinforces concerns that Obi lacks ideological consistency and shifts his stance based on alliances and prevailing political realities.
The Presidency concluded that effective leadership demands consistency and clarity—qualities it said are missing in Obi’s approach to politics.
In his words, Onanuga stated:“Peter Obi has set a new record for political desperation. In his pursuit of the presidency, he has shown himself to be an unprincipled politician willing to go back on his words, abandon his political platform when it no longer serves his political calculations, and even ‘eat his own vomit.’
“In his politics of desperation, he is willing to associate with anyone, including those he had previously pilloried. He can make U-turns on any matter, even on his political ideology, if he has one.
“He certainly lacks the character of a reliable political leader. No one can be sure where he stands on any issue. He shifts with the wind and the trends on X.
“As this video clip shows, Obi has now thrown his supporters under the bus, further underscoring his series of contradictions and confusion.