By Emmanuel Kwada
The Nigerian Presidency has issued a stern rebuke to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, urging him to temper his rhetoric following controversial remarks in which he claimed that democracy in Nigeria has “collapsed.”
The statement, delivered by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, accused Obi of making hyperbolic and baseless assertions designed to grab headlines rather than reflect reality.
The controversy stems from comments Obi made during a colloquium hosted by former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha on Monday, March 24, 2025.
I listened multiple times to Peter Obi’s statement in this clip
In a widely circulated clip, Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, asserted that Nigeria’s democratic institutions have deteriorated to the point of collapse.
His remarks have sparked a heated response from the government, which dismissed them as lacking logical foundation and accused Obi of exploiting the freedoms democracy affords him to undermine it.
His hyperbolic remarks, suited for headlines, have been made without deep reflection and lack a solid logical foundation
“I listened multiple times to Peter Obi’s statement in this clip,” the Presidency’s spokesperson said in a press release issued Tuesday. “His hyperbolic remarks, suited for headlines, have been made without deep reflection and lack a solid logical foundation. How can a democracy that has strengthened over the past 26 years be said to have collapsed?”
The spokesperson pointed to Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999, arguing that the nation has made significant strides in consolidating its democratic framework.
“Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall through his lens,” the statement continued.
Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall
“If democracy had indeed collapsed, as Peter claims, and we were living under a regime antithetical to democratic principles, he would not have been able to make his comments on Monday at Emeka Ihedioha’s colloquium.”
The Presidency’s response went further, issuing a direct warning to Obi to “watch what he says” and “restrain himself from playing to the gallery.”
The admonition reflects growing tensions between the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and opposition figures like Obi, who has remained a vocal critic since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
