The Presidency has dismissed claims by the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that his life is under threat, describing the allegations as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the remarks in a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday while reacting to a viral interview in which Obi alleged that he was being targeted by the Tinubu administration.
In the interview, the former Anambra State governor claimed his vehicle was stopped at an airport and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also alleged that some individuals were being discouraged from inviting him to public events.
Responding to the claims, Onanuga insisted that the airport incident was likely the result of Obi violating parking regulations, accusing the opposition figure of attempting to portray personal inconveniences as government persecution.
“Peter Obi’s recent claims of being targeted by the government, citing an incident involving his car at the airport, which, by his own account, must have resulted from flouting parking regulations, are simply unfounded and misleading,” Onanuga said.
He further described Obi as “a pathological and serial liar,” alleging that the former governor habitually drags the government into issues unrelated to it.
According to Onanuga, Obi’s assertion that he may not live to see the 2027 election and his claims of political intimidation are “fabricated narratives” aimed at attracting public sympathy and diverting attention from challenges facing his political movement.
The presidential aide also addressed concerns surrounding Fidelity Bank, noting that Obi has significant interests in the financial institution. He maintained that the bank continues to operate successfully under the current administration’s economic reforms, dismissing suggestions that the Federal Government was targeting it.
“The government is certainly not targeting the bank. Rather than being ‘haunted’ by the government, Mr. Obi appears to be grappling with the consequences of his litany of unfounded statements,” he stated.
Onanuga concluded by saying that the Tinubu administration remains focused on implementing its economic reforms and has no interest in undermining Obi or interfering with his political ambitions.
“The Tinubu government remains fully focused on consolidating its historic and beneficial reforms for the good of all Nigerians. It has neither the time nor the inclination to be distracted by Mr. Obi’s self-serving narratives and lies or by his candidacy,” he said.
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