Presidency compares Obi, Tinubu leadership records
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has compared the leadership records of President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that both men are not on the same level in terms of governance experience, vision and the ability to build lasting institutions.
Onanuga argued that Obi had never shown what he described as “original, authentic thinking,” claiming that the former Anambra governor was a “copy-and-paste politician” who had little to showcase from his eight years in office.
The presidential aide made the remarks on Wednesday in a post on his X handle while reacting to the ongoing debate over the leadership credentials of both men ahead of the 2027 political contest.
According to him, Obi’s tenure in Anambra did not produce enduring institutions or remarkable achievements that could serve as a reference point for future administrations. He further claimed that the former governor’s successor, Willie Obiano, had also criticised his handling of security in the state.
Drawing a comparison with Tinubu’s administration in Lagos, Onanuga said the President left behind institutions and development plans that have continued to shape the state’s growth years after leaving office.
“In contrast with Governor Tinubu in Lagos, Tinubu left LAWMA, LASTMA, LAMATA, RRS, a rail and road masterplan, which is still being executed to this day,” he wrote.
He maintained that the country requires a leader with the foresight to establish institutions and implement policies that would outlive any single administration, arguing that such qualities are evident in Tinubu’s political career.
“Nigeria deserves a leader who can see beyond the ken of the ordinary people, a leader who is a proven deep thinker and doer,” Onanuga stated.
The presidential spokesman concluded by asserting that the former Labour Party presidential candidate could not be compared with the President in terms of leadership capacity and governance record.
“Peter Obi is no match for President Bola Tinubu. They are not on the same level,” he said.