The Presidency has launched a scathing attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing him of endorsing a “foreign invasion” of Nigeria after he welcomed US President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy American forces against terrorists operating in the country.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, condemned Obi’s position in a post on đť•Ź, describing it as unbecoming of a former presidential candidate.
“We shall never forget and forgive Peter Obi for supporting a foreign invasion of Nigeria,” Onanuga wrote, characterizing the former Anambra State governor’s remarks as openly welcoming military intervention by a foreign government.
Obi had criticized the Federal Government at a recent event for allegedly downplaying insecurity and what he described as targeted attacks on Christians, arguing that Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation has reached a point where any form of assistance should be considered.
“It is not genocide, it is not this, but me, we are not safe, come and help. Somebody offered you something you have been looking for, and you are saying no,” Obi stated.
The former governor used an analogy to illustrate his position, comparing Nigeria’s security crisis to a starving family being offered food. “Somebody finds out that Peter Obi and his family have not eaten in the morning or afternoon, and the person is offering food, and you are saying no. Collect the food first, and then you will know how you can ration it,” he said.
Obi outlined three urgent priorities Nigeria must pursue to address insecurity effectively. “If by today you declare me president, the number one priority is the security of life and property. Number two priority is to put people out of poverty, because the more you put people out of poverty, the more you reduce criminality. Number three is to invest in education. It is critical for basic education,” he explained.
He warned that neglecting millions of out-of-school children would create future security threats. “A child that is five years old or 10 years old today that you did not educate will become a terrorist and a problem to you in 20 years’ time. Invest in him now that you have the opportunity,” Obi cautioned.
The former governor also criticized corruption among the political class, stating: “All these people moving around stealing public funds, they don’t need it. They are only bringing headaches to your life.”
Defending his position on Trump’s remarks, Obi said the US president’s threat represented an opportunity Nigeria should embrace rather than reject. “That is my reaction to Trump. For me, it is a welcome speech that I would have been begging him…” he stated.
The controversy comes amid escalating security challenges across Nigeria, with over 250 students and staff from St. Mary’s School in Niger State still held captive following last Friday’s mass abduction. President Trump has intensified criticism of Nigeria’s handling of insecurity, calling the country “a disgrace” and threatening to cut American aid if the violence against Christian communities continues.
The Tinubu administration has rejected foreign military intervention, with Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume insisting that Nigerian armed forces are capable of handling the security situation independently, though the government acknowledges the need for international support in intelligence, technology, and equipment.
Obi’s position has now placed him at odds with the federal government’s official stance, drawing sharp rebuke from the Presidency and igniting debate about Nigeria’s sovereignty versus the urgent need for effective solutions to the escalating terrorism crisis.
