“Tinubu Not Involved In Opposition Crisis” – Presidency

The Presidency has dismissed allegations that President Bola Tinubu is behind recent disruptions faced by opposition parties in the country, calling the claims unfounded and politically motivated.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated this during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time on Thursday night.

Onanuga denied reports that the President was interfering with meetings or activities of opposition coalitions, particularly the new alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and others under the African Democratic Congress.

“There is this tendency in Nigeria to scapegoat Tinubu for everything. People face challenges and the first thing they say is, ‘It’s Tinubu.’ But it’s not true. He wasn’t even in the country when some of these events happened,” Onanuga said.

Opposition leaders had alleged that venues booked for political events were suddenly cancelled, and that members of the ADC coalition had to walk long distances to reach the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre in Abuja to avoid attracting security attention and risking a blockade.

Onanuga rejected claims that the current administration is suppressing dissent or stifling opposition voices.

“This government allows freedom of speech. I’ve heard people say this government is against freedom of speech. That’s baloney. This government allows freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, and freedom of the press. If a hotel cancels an event booking, does that mean Tinubu owns the hotel?” he asked.