ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Tinubu’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, has faulted Peter Obi’s explanation of his remarks about Nigerians abroad. He insisted that Obi’s original message was not twisted.
Onanuga made the remark on Wednesday in a post on his official X handle. He said Obi’s clarification was an attempt to rewrite history.
The Original Statement
Onanuga recalled Obi’s remarks at a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom. He said Obi urged Nigerians abroad to reject financial requests from relatives at home.
He quoted Obi as saying: “You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!”
Onanuga said the statement was clear and unambiguous. He said Obi cannot now claim that his message was distorted.
Obi’s Clarification
Obi had issued a clarification on Tuesday. He said he never asked Nigerians abroad to abandon their families. He said his message was aimed at addressing the country’s economic challenges.
He said his remarks were taken out of context. He accused his political opponents of twisting his message.
Onanuga’s Response
Onanuga rejected Obi’s explanation. He said the former governor was trying to evade responsibility for his statement.
“Nobody twisted your statement. You said what you said. You cannot now turn around and blame others for your own words,” Onanuga wrote.
He said Obi’s remarks were insensitive to the plight of Nigerians abroad. He said many of them work hard to support their families back home.
What This Means
The exchange highlights the political tension ahead of the 2027 elections. It also shows the sensitivity of diaspora remittances.
For Obi, the controversy is a distraction. He will be hoping to refocus attention on his campaign message.
For Onanuga, the attack on Obi is part of the APC’s strategy to discredit the opposition.
What Happens Next
Obi’s campaign has not responded to Onanuga’s remarks. But the exchange is likely to continue.
For now, the focus is on the 2027 elections. The coming months will reveal how the campaigns unfold.
