The Presidency has launched a fresh attack on the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing him as a “copy-and-paste politician” who lacks the leadership credentials to rival President Bola Tinubu.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, made the remarks in a post on his verified X account on Wednesday, where he contrasted Obi’s record as former governor of Anambra State with Tinubu’s achievements in Lagos State.
According to Onanuga, Obi failed to leave behind any significant legacy during his eight years in office, arguing that the former governor has not demonstrated the originality, vision, or leadership required to govern Nigeria.
He further cited comments allegedly made by Obi’s successor, Willie Obiano, who had previously criticised the security situation in Anambra during Obi’s administration, claiming that the former governor performed poorly in that area.
Drawing comparisons with President Tinubu, Onanuga said the President left a long-term development blueprint for Lagos, including rail and road infrastructure master plans that continue to shape the state’s growth years after his tenure as governor.
“Peter Obi has never shown original, authentic thinking. He is a copy-and-paste politician,” Onanuga wrote, adding that Obi “failed spectacularly” in addressing security challenges while in office.
The presidential aide maintained that Nigeria requires a leader with exceptional vision, strategic thinking, and a proven track record of execution, qualities he said Tinubu has consistently demonstrated.
“Nigeria deserves a leader who can see beyond the ken of ordinary people, a leader who is a proven deep thinker and doer,” he stated.
Onanuga concluded by asserting that Obi and Tinubu are not in the same political league, insisting that the former Anambra governor cannot match the President’s experience, achievements, or leadership capacity.