Tags: Peter Obi, APGA, Nigeria, Labour Party, political career
Former spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu in the South East, Dr. Josef Onoh, has expressed his concerns about the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi. Onoh accuses Obi of betraying his political godfather, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, in his pursuit of political positions.
Onoh made these remarks during Obi’s International Press Conference, where he supported the opposition political parties’ allegations regarding President Tinubu’s Certificate discussions.
Onoh further criticized Obi for his alleged inconsistency and willingness to switch political parties, portraying him as an opportunist focused on personal gain rather than being a true representative of the people.
Highlighting Obi’s alleged treachery against Ojukwu, Onoh claimed that this act has haunted him, leading even the Labour Party, under the leadership of Lamidi Apapa, to issue a disclaimer on Obi and close the door to his future political career with the party.
Onoh explained that Obi’s desperation and relentless fight can be attributed to the decline of his political career, as he has been rejected by previous political parties such as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and now the LP.
He reminded Obi about the significance of the Nigeria Presidency and recalled his own experience as a serving member of the Enugu state house of Assembly. Onoh attended Obi’s inauguration as Governor of Anambra state and noticed that Obi repeatedly mentioned “Federal Republic of Nigeria,” “President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” and “Federal Government of Nigeria” in his oath of office, while only mentioning “Anambra State” once.
Educating Obi further, Onoh referred to the Governor’s oath of office stated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He highlighted that Obi, having taken multiple oaths of office, should be aware that a Governor must exercise authority without impeding the duties of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and must prioritize the well-being of the people. Onoh criticized Obi for his alleged shift in loyalty and political affiliation.
Onoh contrasted Obi’s actions with the consistent commitment of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has demonstrated a deep understanding of the Nigerian Constitution. Tinubu, having taken the same oath of office as Governor twice, remained loyal to his party, the Alliance for Democracy (AD), and later played a significant role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing Obi directly, Onoh accused him of betraying his political godfather, Ojukwu, and recalled how Ojukwu had urged the people of Anambra state to vote for Obi in the February 2010 election. Onoh emphasized that Obi had promised not to abandon APGA, the party that propelled his rise, but allegedly broke his word soon after Ojukwu’s passing.
Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, Onoh highlighted the importance of integrity, which he believes Obi lacks. He accused Obi of appearing righteous while sowing discord in the political landscape.
In conclusion, Onoh reiterated that while Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the current president of Nigeria, Obi remains the defeated 16th presidential candidate for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He urged Obi to verify the facts for himself.
