Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has dismissed claims by Peter Obi that he may not be alive to contest the 2027 general election, describing the remarks as false and an attempt to gain public sympathy.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had alleged during an interview that the Federal Government was frustrating his means of livelihood and targeting opposition figures.
Reacting in a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Onanuga said the former Anambra State governor’s claims were baseless and politically motivated.
“His claim that he may not be alive for the January 2027 election and that people are being pressured not to invite him to social events is nothing more than a fabricated narrative, a page from his book of lies and propaganda,” Onanuga said.
The presidential aide argued that Obi’s comments were intended to divert attention from challenges within the NDC and what he described as the former governor’s declining credibility.
“These claims lack substance and are designed to attract undue sympathy and deflect attention from his credibility deficit and the problems faced by his SPV and his adopted political association, the NDC,” he added.
Onanuga also addressed Obi’s interest in Fidelity Bank, insisting that the financial institution has continued to perform well under the current administration.
“It is important to note that Mr Obi has a substantial interest in Fidelity Bank. The institution continues to thrive as a result of the current administration’s robust economic reforms,” he said.
He maintained that the Federal Government was not targeting the bank and suggested Obi was facing the consequences of his own public statements.
The presidential spokesman further stated that President Bola Tinubu remains focused on governance and economic reforms rather than engaging in political exchanges with Obi.
“Tinubu is fully focused on consolidating his reforms and does not have the time for Obi’s self-serving narratives and lies,” Onanuga said.
Source: Statement by Bayo Onanuga
