President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has compared former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to Peter Obi, describing both as “serial defectors,” in a recent social media post. Onanuga made the remark while reacting to a documentary about Atiku, highlighting the former vice president’s long-standing pursuit of the presidency. The post, shared on X, drew attention for its direct comparison between two prominent Nigerian political figures known for their repeated bids for top office.
Onanuga’s comment underscores the ongoing political discourse surrounding Atiku’s decades-long presidential ambitions. He noted that Atiku has been actively seeking the presidency since 1993, a fact that places him among Nigeria’s most persistent candidates. This long-standing campaign has seen Atiku contest in multiple elections, including the 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 presidential polls, making him a familiar figure in Nigerian politics.
The term “serial defector” used by Onanuga refers to political figures who have switched party allegiances multiple times during their careers. While Atiku has been associated with several political parties over the years, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), his most recent presidential bid was under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. Peter Obi, who also contested in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, has similarly been noted for his party transitions, including his move from the PDP to the Labour Party.
Onanuga’s post has sparked reactions across social media platforms, with supporters of Atiku criticizing the characterization as unfair and politically motivated. Others have pointed to the broader context of Nigeria’s political landscape, where party loyalty is often fluid and driven by strategic alliances. The documentary that prompted Onanuga’s comment reportedly explores Atiku’s political journey, career milestones, and his repeated runs for the presidency.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its political dynamics, figures like Atiku and Obi remain central to public debate. Their careers reflect the evolving nature of Nigerian democracy, where experience, resilience, and adaptability are often as important as ideology. Onanuga’s remarks, while brief, contribute to the ongoing narrative about political loyalty and ambition in the country’s leadership circles. The future of Nigerian politics may well depend on how such figures continue to shape their legacies in the coming elections.
Leave a Comment