The Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga — Special Adviser on Information and Strategy — has hit back at former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, vowing that his purported support for foreign military intervention in Nigeria will not be forgotten or forgiven. Onanuga’s remarks came via a post on X, referencing a resurfaced video in which Obi is heard saying, “If Donald Trump said he will invade Nigeria, I will welcome it with open arms because security is my priority.”
The presidency described the statement as deeply irresponsible and a disregard for Nigeria’s sovereignty. The controversy reignited following U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive to the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria, citing alleged “Christian genocide” involving groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP. In response, Nigeria’s government quickly rejected the U.S. justification, insisting the violence affects citizens of all faiths and rejecting external interference. Onanuga emphasized that such statements from Obi — a prominent opposition figure — are unacceptable, especially at a time when the country’s stability and sovereignty are under threat.
Obi had previously defended his remarks by saying his priority is security, and that the U.S. position could represent a form of cooperation against armed groups, not an endorsement of foreign occupation. Nonetheless, the presidency has rejected that interpretation, framing the clips as a dangerous call for foreign invasion.
