Onanuga tackles Obi over ADC exit hint, labels him ‘opportunistic’

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing him as “opportunistic” and “inconsistent” following remarks suggesting he could leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

Onanuga’s reaction came after Obi, in a television interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, hinted that he might exit the ADC if the party’s internal processes were compromised.

 

Reacting via his X handle on Monday, Onanuga said, “Peter Obi, the peripatetic, opportunistic and inconsistent politician ever to operate in Nigeria hints that he may leave the ADC, the way he left APGA, PDP and Labour.”

 

Obi, however, defended his history of political defections, insisting that his decisions were driven by principle rather than personal gain.

 

“I don’t have long time in politics; if I have to move twenty times, I will do it. I cannot be talking about change… you cannot use the process of yesterday to build tomorrow,” he said.

 

The former Anambra State governor attributed his exit from the Labour Party to what he described as deliberate efforts to entrap him in internal crises.

 

“They put fire in the house and they were shocked that I was able to escape… they thought I would be there for the fire to burn me,” Obi said.

 

Speaking on his current position within the ADC, Obi acknowledged that some former political associates had re-emerged as colleagues in the party, but stressed that present conduct—not past affiliations—remains his priority.

 

“What is important is not what people were yesterday, it’s what they are today… if that process is again compromised, I will speak out,” he added.

 

The exchange highlights growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition figures and government officials continue to clash over credibility, party loyalty, and internal democracy.