A fresh political clash erupted on Monday after Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga accused Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi of supporting foreign intervention in Nigeria.
The criticism followed Obi’s reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning about attacks on Christians in the country.
The statement from Onanuga came as a surprise to many, especially as tensions around insecurity remain high nationwide.
Trump had claimed Christians in Nigeria were facing persecution, adding that he “wouldn’t hesitate to storm the country and wreck havoc on those killing Christians.”
His remarks triggered widespread debate, and the controversy deepened when a video surfaced showing Obi saying he would accept external help to tackle insecurity.
Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, responded sharply to Obi’s comments.
Moreover, he argued that referencing Trump’s threat while calling for support amounted to an endorsement of external invasion.
In his reaction, Onanuga said Obi’s stance crossed a line.
“We shall never forget and forgive Peter Obi for supporting a foreign invasion of Nigeria,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Obi had earlier condemned killings across the country and insisted that leaders must not ignore rising attacks on Christian communities.
He referenced the international concern raised by Trump, though he did not directly call for military involvement.
However, the sensitivity of foreign military action makes the issue highly charged, especially during heightened political tension.
No official response has been released from Obi’s camp since Onanuga’s statement.
In addition, the Presidency has not indicated whether the matter will lead to further clarification from government channels.
