The Presidency has dismissed allegations by Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential aspirant Peter Obi that the Federal Government was undermining his businesses and putting his safety at risk ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the claims as false, misleading and calculated to stir public sympathy.
Obi had, in a recent interview, alleged that the government was making life difficult for him by frustrating his business interests and allegedly causing some associates to avoid him over fears of possible consequences from the authorities.
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He also referred to an incident at an airport, where officials reportedly locked his vehicle, as evidence that he was being singled out by the government.
However, Onanuga said the allegations lacked substance, adding that Obi was attempting to present routine personal challenges as politically motivated persecution.
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On the airport incident, the presidential aide said the action may have resulted from a breach of established parking rules at the facility rather than any alleged attempt by the government to intimidate the former governor.
He also rejected Obi’s claims that his life was under threat or that people had stopped inviting him to social events because of pressure from the government, describing the assertions as political propaganda.
According to Onanuga, the allegations were intended to attract public sympathy and divert attention from questions surrounding Obi’s political credibility and disagreements within the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The presidential spokesman further argued that Obi’s claim of economic victimisation was inconsistent with the performance of Fidelity Bank, where he is believed to have a substantial interest.
He said the bank had continued to operate and expand under the current economic environment.
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Onanuga said President Bola Tinubu’s administration remained focused on implementing economic and social reforms, stressing that it would not be distracted by what he described as unverified allegations from opposition politicians.
