Trending 
The Presidency has dismissed allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that he is being targeted by the government.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused Obi of fabricating a persecution narrative to gain public sympathy and divert attention from challenges facing his political movement.
Onanuga’s response followed recent remarks by Obi in which the former Anambra State governor alleged that his vehicle was obstructed at an airport, claimed that individuals were being discouraged from inviting him to public events, and expressed fears that he might not be alive to participate in the January 2027 election.
Reacting, Onanuga argued that Obi’s account of the airport incident stemmed from his own actions.
“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,” he said.
The presidential aide further accused Obi of habitually making false allegations.
“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,” Onanuga stated.
He also dismissed Obi’s claims that his life could be at risk ahead of the 2027 election and that people were being pressured not to associate with him, describing such claims as a “fabricated narrative” and “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.”
Onanuga also addressed speculation surrounding Fidelity Bank Plc, noting Obi’s interest in the financial institution while insisting that the government was 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.”
The presidential spokesman noted that the administration remained focused on governance rather than political disputes.
“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 statement marks the latest exchange between the Presidency and Obi, who has remained one of the most vocal critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, frequently raising concerns over governance, the economy and security.
The Presidency has consistently rejected Obi’s criticisms, accusing him of making unsubstantiated claims against the government.
Peter Obi’s new lies
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.
As a pathological and… pic.twitter.com/n3ebsXgD2W
— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) July 8, 2026
