The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has unequivocally dismissed the notion that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), poses a significant political threat to the current administration. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast over the weekend, Dare conveyed strong confidence in the Tinubu government’s performance and its readiness for the 2027 general elections.
Government Stands on Performance, Not Fear
Dare articulated the administration’s stance, asserting that any previous perception of Peter Obi as a formidable challenge has diminished. “This government is not afraid of Peter Obi. He is not a nightmare to our government,” Dare stated, adding, “Maybe before, Peter Obi was a threat, but right now, he is no threat because we stand on the solid ground of performance.” He emphasized the government’s deliberate approach to national challenges, highlighting ongoing policy implementations and a clear “scorecard” of achievements.
According to Dare, the administration has thoroughly “interrogated the problems of this country,” leading to decisive actions and unfolding policies across various sectors. This strategic focus, he believes, has fortified the government’s political standing and public trust, making it resilient against opposition narratives.
Critique of Obi’s Public Discourse
Beyond his assessment of Obi’s political weight, Dare also critically evaluated the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s public comments and media engagements. He described some of Obi’s responses as lacking clarity and coherence, going as far as to label him a “nuisance” rather than a nightmare. “If you see some of his reactions, they are very pedantic. Sometimes you wonder,” Dare remarked, noting, “You listen to some of some of his interviews, ask him a question, and he goes in a roundabout direction that does not make sense.”
2027 Elections: Lagos Reversal Predicted
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Dare expressed unwavering certainty that Peter Obi would not repeat his 2023 electoral success in Lagos State, where he notably defeated then-candidate Bola Tinubu. “Peter Obi defeated President Tinubu in Lagos in 2023. This is 2027; he can’t defeat Tinubu again in Lagos,” Dare confidently declared, underscoring the ruling party’s belief in its renewed strength and strategic positioning.
These assertive remarks from a key presidential aide come amidst an intensifying political landscape, as major parties and prominent opposition figures begin to ramp up their public engagements, record pronouncements, and strategic maneuvering in anticipation of the next national polls.