Peter Obi Angry Anytime Nigeria Makes Progress — Presidency

The Presidency has accused Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi of reacting negatively whenever Nigeria records progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming the former Anambra State governor has repeatedly reversed his positions on major policy issues.

The allegation was made on Thursday by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, in a post on his verified X account.

Bwala criticised Obi over comments reportedly attributed to him regarding fuel subsidy removal, state policing and foreign exchange reforms, arguing that the opposition figure no longer supports policies he previously advocated before the 2023 general election.

According to Bwala, Obi appears uncomfortable whenever the current administration implements reforms that align with his earlier campaign promises.

“I don’t know why every time Nigeria makes progress, it angers Peter Obi. Why?” Bwala wrote.

“It is the same Nigeria he is trying to govern in his wild goose chase.”

The presidential aide further alleged that Obi had changed his position on several key national issues after the Tinubu administration introduced reforms.

“Before the 2023 elections, he promised to take away the subsidy; we did, and now he is saying he won’t.

“He said he would make state police; we did, but now he’s saying he won’t.

“He said he would bring all the foreign exchange together; we did, and now he is saying he won’t,” Bwala stated.

He argued that the apparent shift in Obi’s position suggested the former presidential candidate lacked a clear policy direction for Nigeria.

“It looks like he doesn’t have a clear idea of what he intends to do for Nigeria,” Bwala added.

The presidential aide also made a personal reference to Obi, saying the former governor paid attention only to “the mad man on Opi-Iweka Road,” a remark that has since generated reactions on social media.

The latest exchange adds to the continuing war of words between the Presidency and opposition figures over the Tinubu administration’s economic and governance reforms.

Since assuming office in May 2023, the Federal Government has implemented major policy changes, including the removal of fuel subsidy, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market and ongoing constitutional efforts aimed at establishing state police.

While the administration maintains that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and improve governance, opposition parties have criticised their implementation, arguing that they have contributed to rising living costs and economic hardship for many Nigerians.

Peter Obi has yet to officially respond to Bwala’s latest remarks.