Rufai Oseni slams Tinubu aide, recalls APC’s 2015 parallel govt
Rufai Oseni, an Arise News anchor, criticized Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s media aide, for labeling Peter Obi’s call for Tinubu’s resignation as ‘puerile’. Speaking on Arise TV’s Tuesday morning program, Oseni reminded viewers that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had itself demanded former President Goodluck Jonathan’s resignation in 2014 and even advocated a parallel government if it lost the 2015 election, calling that stance anarchy. He argued that the same issues the APC blamed on Jonathan—insecurity and economic hardship—now persist under Tinubu’s administration.
Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, had urged Tinubu to emulate UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer by resigning, citing the government’s failure to address Nigeria’s economic and security crises. Onanuga’s rebuttal described Obi’s position as childish.
Why it matters: The exchange highlights the recurring pattern of political accusations and hypocrisy, reminding voters to scrutinize the consistency of leaders’ criticisms, especially as the 2027 election approaches. Understanding these historical parallels helps assess whether current critiques are principled or partisan.
What should you consider: Reflect on whether political condemnations are based on principle or convenience, and how such rhetoric may shape public discourse and accountability in the coming election cycle.