Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has launched a scathing criticism against Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his perceived support for foreign intervention in Nigeria. Onanuga’s comments come after Trump issued statements threatening military action in Nigeria under the pretext of protecting Christians, which sparked nationwide debates on sovereignty and international interference.
It would be recalled that former U.S. President Donald Trump recently warned about the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, stating that he would not hesitate to intervene militarily to stop attacks on Christian communities. Trump’s remarks have generated widespread discussions among Nigerian politicians, citizens, and commentators, with some interpreting it as a threat to national sovereignty.
Bayo Onanuga berates Peter Obi
Bayo Onanuga reacted sharply to a video that captured Peter Obi commenting that he would accept external assistance to help tackle insecurity in Nigeria. In the video, Obi referenced Trump’s statement, implying that international help could support efforts to curb the ongoing violence and killings across the country. Onanuga interpreted this as an endorsement of foreign military intervention, which he described as highly unacceptable.
Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, stated that Peter Obi’s remarks amounted to a direct support for foreign involvement in Nigeria’s internal affairs. He stressed that this kind of statement undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty, and it is unacceptable for any political leader to publicly suggest allowing a foreign power to intervene militarily in the country’s internal security matters.
‘We will never forgive’
In a strongly worded statement, Onanuga warned that the administration and Nigerians would not forget or forgive Peter Obi for his position on the issue. He emphasised that supporting external military intervention is a grave misstep and a betrayal of national interest, and such actions could have serious political and social consequences for the individual involved.
His words in full were as follows:
“We shall never forget and forgive Peter Obi for supporting a foreign invasion of Nigeria.”
The post has since generated discussions online, with many users debating the appropriateness of seeking foreign assistance in tackling insecurity versus protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty. Some have supported Obi’s stance as a pragmatic approach to security challenges, while others echo Onanuga’s condemnation, stressing that national integrity must remain uncompromised.
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