Tinubu has no hand in opposition crisis – Presidency

The Presidency has dismissed allegations that President Bola Tinubu is behind recent disruptions faced by opposition parties in the country, calling the claims unfounded and politically motivated.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated this during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time on Thursday night.

Onanuga denied reports that the President was interfering with meetings or activities of opposition coalitions, particularly the new alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and others under the African Democratic Congress.

“There is this tendency in Nigeria to scapegoat Tinubu for everything. People face challenges and the first thing they say is, ‘It’s Tinubu.’ But it’s not true. He wasn’t even in the country when some of these events happened,” Onanuga said.

Opposition leaders had alleged that venues booked for political events were suddenly cancelled, and that members of the ADC coalition had to walk long distances to reach the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre in Abuja to avoid attracting security attention and risking a blockade.

Onanuga rejected claims that the current administration is suppressing dissent or stifling opposition voices.

“This government allows freedom of speech. I’ve heard people say this government is against freedom of speech. That’s baloney. This government allows freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, and freedom of the press. If a hotel cancels an event booking, does that mean Tinubu owns the hotel?” he asked.

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Speaking on the emerging coalition between Atiku and Obi, Onanuga argued that political mergers do not guarantee electoral success.

“Atiku has been in the presidential race more than anyone – more than Tinubu, more than Obi. Each time, he fails at the gate. Buhari failed several times too, but he eventually succeeded—with Tinubu’s help,” he said.

He added that Atiku’s political strategy in 2023, which relied heavily on northern sentiments, was rejected by voters in the South. “If he tries that again, how will he get southern support? Even with Obi as a running mate, it doesn’t guarantee that Obi’s 2023 supporters will follow him again,” he said.

Speaking further, Onanuga maintained that Tinubu still commands support in the North, citing key appointments and policies as proof of goodwill toward the region.

“This president is doing a lot for the North. He has appointed people from the North-West and North-East into top positions. In politics, a good turn deserves another. The noise does not match the reality. People are benefiting,” he said.

He concluded that at the appropriate time, the President would draw on the goodwill generated by his administration’s actions across the country.