Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has accused Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi of making what he described as “reckless” claims after the former Anambra State governor called for greater government investment in sports development.
The latest exchange followed Obi’s visit to the Onikan Stadium in Lagos, where he watched a Nigerian Premier Football League match between Enugu Rangers and Ikorodu City. Obi expressed concern over the low attendance at the match and argued that Nigeria was failing to fully utilise sports as a tool for youth development, employment and crime prevention.
Obi said Nigeria had abundant sporting talent but lacked the investment and commitment needed to transform the sector. He also cited countries such as Brazil and Jamaica as examples of nations that have used sports to create opportunities for young people.
Reacting to the comments, Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, challenged Obi to account for his record on sports during his tenure as Anambra governor. The presidential aide accused him of making claims that were inconsistent with his record in office.
“Headlines don’t lie like Peter Obi lies, recklessly,” the Presidency said in its response, while alleging that Obi had treated athletes, including physically challenged sportspeople, poorly during his administration.
The Presidency’s response did not, however, provide specific sports projects, spending figures or other detailed evidence in the statement cited to support its criticism of Obi’s record. Obi has not been reported in the source material as directly responding to the latest allegation.
The dispute comes as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. Exchanges between opposition figures and government officials increasingly focus on governance records, public spending and policy proposals.
Obi served as Anambra governor from 2006 to 2014, while Onanuga currently serves as one of President Tinubu’s principal communications aides. The latest disagreement adds sports development to the broader policy and performance debates emerging ahead of the 2027 election.
