Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has strongly rejected allegations by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi that the Federal Government is targeting him and his business interests, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
Onanuga’s response followed Obi’s recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, in which the former Anambra State governor alleged that the current administration was making life difficult for him and his businesses. Obi also expressed fears that he might not be alive to participate in the 2027 presidential election.
Reacting in a statement shared on his X account, Onanuga accused Obi of habitually making baseless allegations against the administration.
“Peter Obi’s recent claims of being targeted by the government—citing an incident involving his car at the airport, which, by his own account, must have resulted from flouting parking regulations—are simply unfounded and misleading,” Onanuga said.
The presidential aide went further to describe Obi as a “pathological and serial liar,” alleging that the opposition politician frequently attempts to blame the government for personal inconveniences.
“As a pathological and serial liar, Mr Obi is intent on dragging the government into every personal inconvenience he encounters, often resorting to exaggeration and baseless allegations,” he stated.
Onanuga also dismissed Obi’s assertion that his life was in danger ahead of the 2027 elections and his claim that individuals were being discouraged from inviting him to public events.
“His claim that he may not be alive for the January 2027 election and that people are being pressured not to invite him to social events is nothing more than a fabricated narrative, a page from his book of lies and propaganda.
“These claims lack substance and are designed to attract undue sympathy and deflect attention from his credibility deficit and the problems faced by his SPV and his adopted political association, the NDC,” he added.
Addressing Obi’s concerns about his business interests, Onanuga maintained that the Federal Government had no reason to target Fidelity Bank, where Obi reportedly has a substantial stake.
“It is important to note that Mr Obi has a substantial interest in Fidelity Bank. The institution continues to thrive as a result of the current administration’s robust economic reforms. The government is certainly not targeting the bank.
“Rather than being ‘haunted’ by the government, Mr Obi appears to be grappling with the consequences of his litany of unfounded statements,” Onanuga said.
He insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains focused on implementing its economic agenda rather than engaging in political distractions.
“The Tinubu government remains fully focused on consolidating its historic and beneficial reforms for the good of all Nigerians. It has neither the time nor the inclination to be distracted by Mr Obi’s self-serving narratives and lies or by his candidacy, as he constantly diminishes himself with specious, unverifiable utterances,” the presidential aide said.
