Onanuga hits Obi over Panama Papers: 'Saint Peter says things he doesn't practise'
Presidency adviser Bayo Onanuga fired back at Peter Obi today, mocking the former Anambra governor as a 'saint' who 'likes to say things he doesn't actually do.' The clash started when Obi claimed Nigeria would be wealthy if leaders had kept public funds in banks. Onanuga countered by invoking the Panama Papers, alleging Obi held undeclared offshore assets and business interests while governing Anambra State.
Onanuga's statement, posted on X, directly references the 2016 global leak that exposed hidden offshore holdings of political figures worldwide. Obi has previously denied wrongdoing, stating his offshore companies were for legitimate business and declared to tax authorities.
The exchange highlights the recurring credibility battles shaping Nigeria's 2027 presidential race. Obi's supporters view him as an accountability advocate; critics point to the Panama Papers as evidence of hypocrisy. Neither the EFCC nor ICPC has filed charges related to the Panama Papers allegations against Obi.
When politicians trade corruption accusations, how do you separate performative outrage from substantive accountability—and what standard should apply across party lines?