By Agnes Ayodeji
Enugu, Nigeria – Dr. Josef Onoh, a former South East spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has launched a scathing attack on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, accusing him of political betrayal and inconsistency.
Speaking in reaction to Obi’s recent international press conference — which addressed concerns raised by opposition parties about President Tinubu’s academic records — Onoh accused the former Anambra governor of hypocrisy, political opportunism, and betrayal of his former political allies, most notably the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
“Obi Betrayed His Political Godfather” – Onoh
Onoh alleged that Obi’s political ambition has long been driven by self-interest, describing him as a “fair-weather politician” who hops between parties for personal gain. He claimed that Obi’s departure from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) — the platform that brought him to power — shortly after the passing of its founder, Ojukwu, was evidence of betrayal.
“Obi took a sacred oath, even swearing on the Holy Rosary, that he would never abandon APGA. But the moment Ojukwu passed on, he wasted no time in dumping the party,” Onoh said.
He recalled how Ojukwu had passionately campaigned for Obi’s re-election in 2010, urging Anambra voters to support him as his “last wish.” According to Onoh, this trust was later broken when Obi left APGA for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and then again when he defected to the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 elections.
“A Man of Many Parties, Lacking Loyalty”
Tracing Obi’s political journey, Onoh painted a picture of a man constantly switching allegiances: “He governed Anambra under APGA, ran as Vice President under PDP in 2019, and became Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2022. That’s not versatility — that’s volatility.”
He likened Obi’s political behavior to a “Bureau de Change,” constantly shifting positions depending on the political climate. “While he pretends to stand with the people, his actions reveal a man driven by ambition, not principle,” Onoh charged.
“Obi Knows the Constitution But Chooses to Twist It”
Onoh also accused Obi of misrepresenting constitutional realities in his public engagements. “You took the oath of office three times — more than any other governor in Nigeria’s history — pledging loyalty to the Constitution and the President of Nigeria. Yet today, you question the legitimacy of that same office,” he said.
Citing the Seventh Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution, Onoh emphasized that governors are sworn to respect the authority of the President and ensure the continuity of the federal government.
“Unlike You, Tinubu Stayed True to His Party”
Drawing a contrast between Obi and President Bola Tinubu, Onoh praised the latter for his loyalty and consistency in political ideology. “Tinubu stayed with the Alliance for Democracy (AD), helped merge it into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and eventually co-founded the All Progressives Congress (APC). He never jumped ship. He built one,” Onoh said.
“Today, he’s the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria — while you are the 16th defeated presidential candidate. Facts don’t lie. Go and verify,” he added, echoing Obi’s own famous phrase.
“Your Righteous Image is Just a Cloak”
Closing his remarks, Onoh quoted American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson to make a moral point: “’Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.’ Sadly, your record shows a pattern of broken promises and calculated betrayals — appearing saintly while sowing seeds of discord.”
Onoh concluded by urging Obi to accept reality and respect the office of the President. “Bola Ahmed Tinubu is your president too. Stop fighting windmills like Don Quixote. Nigeria needs unity, not grandstanding.”
