Photo File: Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga

The Presidency has denied allegations that President Bola Tinubu is responsible for the internal crises rocking opposition parties across Nigeria, describing the claims as politically motivated and lacking in substance.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, speaking on Thursday, dismissed claims that the President was interfering in the affairs of opposition coalitions, particularly the emerging alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and others under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“There is this tendency in Nigeria to scapegoat Tinubu for everything. People face challenges and the first thing they say is, ‘It’s Tinubu.’ But it’s not true. He wasn’t even in the country when some of these events happened,” he said.

Opposition leaders had earlier alleged that booked venues for their political meetings were abruptly cancelled, forcing members of the ADC-led coalition to walk long distances to the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja to avoid police barricades or other disruptions.

Reacting to these claims, Onanuga insisted that the administration respects civil liberties and does not suppress dissent.

“This government allows freedom of speech. I’ve heard people say this government is against freedom of speech. That’s baloney. This government allows freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, and freedom of the press. If a hotel cancels an event booking, does that mean Tinubu owns the hotel?” he queried.

Speaking on the proposed political merger between Atiku and Obi, Onanuga argued that political alliances do not automatically translate into electoral success.

“Atiku has been in the presidential race more than anyone—more than Tinubu, more than Obi. Each time, he fails at the gate. Buhari failed several times too, but he eventually succeeded—with Tinubu’s help,” he noted.

He also questioned the viability of Atiku’s political strategy, particularly in southern Nigeria, referencing the 2023 election where Atiku’s campaign was heavily reliant on northern support.

“If he tries that again, how will he get southern support? Even with Obi as a running mate, it doesn’t guarantee that Obi’s 2023 supporters will follow him again,” he added.

Onanuga further asserted that President Tinubu still enjoys significant support in northern Nigeria, citing appointments and policy interventions as indicators of goodwill toward the region.

“This president is doing a lot for the North. He has appointed people from the North-West and North-East into top positions. In politics, a good turn deserves another. The noise does not match the reality. People are benefiting,” he said.

He concluded that at the appropriate time, President Tinubu would draw from the goodwill his administration has built across the country to consolidate his political standing.

SOURCE: Prime Time