The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has dismissed claims that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, poses a political challenge to the Tinubu administration, insisting that the government remains focused on delivering on its promises.
Speaking during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast over the weekend, Dare said the administration has no reason to fear Obi, arguing that its performance and policy achievements have strengthened its standing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This government is not afraid of Peter Obi. He is not a nightmare to our government. Maybe at one point Peter Obi was seen as a threat, but today he is not because we stand on the solid ground of performance,” Dare said.
He maintained that the Tinubu administration has thoroughly assessed Nigeria’s key challenges and is implementing policies designed to address them.
“We have carefully examined the problems confronting this country. Decisions are being made, policies are being rolled out across different sectors, and we have a scorecard that reflects what this government has achieved,” he stated.
Dare also criticised Obi’s public comments and media appearances, claiming that many of his responses lack substance and clarity.
“Peter Obi is not a nightmare. Perhaps ‘nuisance’ is a better description because some of his reactions are very pedantic. At times, you listen to his interviews, and when he is asked a straightforward question, he goes round in circles and does not provide a clear answer,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Dare expressed confidence that Obi would not replicate his 2023 electoral success in Lagos, where the Labour Party candidate defeated Tinubu during the presidential poll.
“Peter Obi defeated President Tinubu in Lagos in 2023. This is 2027, and he will not defeat Tinubu in Lagos again,” Dare said.
