Lauretta Onochie, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Tinubu. She accused him of destroying everything he touches.
In a post on Thursday, Onochie stated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had lost its strength. She attributed this decline to President Tinubu’s leadership.
The former presidential aide further claimed President Tinubu lacked a clear path to victory. This referred to the 2027 presidential election.
On her social media handle, Onochie declared the APC was no longer its former self. “Whatever ABAT touches. He destroys. APC is gone,” she wrote.
“Tinubu has no pathway to 2027. He is gone. Tinubu is Gone. God bless Nigeria,” Onochie concluded.
Onochie’s comments followed a widely circulated Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated video. The video depicted the late President Buhari interviewing Tinubu about his performance with the APC.
This video appeared to trigger strong reactions. It resonated among both supporters and critics of the President online.
The APC brought Tinubu to power as President in 2023. The party is expected to seek another term in office in 2027.
Meanwhile, opposition parties and political actors are intensifying their efforts. They are engaging in consultations and coalition-building. Their goal is to challenge the ruling party in the upcoming presidential election.
Currently, the APC controls 31 states through elected governors and defectors. However, critics argue several factors could affect the party’s 2027 chances. These include economic hardship, insecurity, and internal party disputes.
Onochie previously served as a media aide under President Buhari. She has recently adopted critical stances against both President Tinubu and the APC.
Her recent attack joins a trend of increasing public exchanges. These exchanges involve politicians, former government officials, and party loyalists. They signal the gradual shaping of the next election cycle.
As of this report, neither the APC nor the Presidency has issued an official response to Onochie’s claims.
President Tinubu Addresses Threats Over Economic Reforms
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu recently stated that some individuals wish him dead. These are persons affected by his administration’s reforms. Specifically, he cited changes in the foreign exchange and oil subsidy sectors.
President Tinubu explained that his decisions had offended powerful interests. He referred to the cancellation of multiple exchange rates and the removal of petrol subsidy. These groups had previously benefited from the old system.
The President made these remarks in Lagos. He spoke at the launch of “The NADECO Story,” a book authored by Chief Ayo Opadokun.
The event also honored individuals with awards. These recipients played crucial roles in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. They served under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) between 1994 and 1998.
Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former Ogun State governor, represented President Tinubu at the event.
Delivering Tinubu’s message, Osoba confirmed the President’s awareness of alleged moves. These moves aimed to disrupt national peace. They stemmed from his administration’s economic reforms.
Osoba explained that beneficiaries of foreign exchange round-tripping and petrol subsidy payments were unhappy. They resented the administration’s new policies.
“Regarding security, the President is aware of deliberate attempts to disrupt national peace,” Osoba conveyed. He explained, “These attempts come from people he offended by cancelling multiple exchange rates and oil subsidies.”
Osoba further shared Tinubu’s resolve: “Those cabals doing round-tripping will wish him dead any time. But he is determined to rearrange the economy, even if it’s his only accomplishment. No matter what, he is determined to face it. That is the message from Mr. President.”
Upon assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy. He later introduced significant foreign exchange reforms. These reforms included unifying exchange rates.
These policies continue to generate nationwide debate. The government insists they are necessary to stabilize the economy. However, many Nigerians complain about rising living costs.
Osoba concluded by stating Tinubu acknowledged NADECO members’ contributions. He recognized their role in Nigeria’s return to democracy. The President assured them their efforts in the struggle would not be forgotten.