It’s Difficult To Be In Opposition; Tinubu Is Targeting Me, Dismantling My Family Business– Peter Obi Cries Out
Opposition leader and former presidential candidate Peter Obi has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of persecuting his family and dismantling his businesses, claiming the government is targeting him for opposing its unpopular reforms and policies.
Speaking in his New Year message, the Labour Party leader lamented the difficulties of being in opposition in Nigeria.
“It is difficult to be in opposition in this country, extremely difficult. Because everything is against you. People don’t want to see you. People don’t want to talk to you,” he said.
Obi alleged that even his personal interactions are under scrutiny.
“I see colleagues and greet them, and they don’t want to reply. Because they don’t want the government of the day to see them greeting you,” he added.
The former Anambra governor accused the Tinubu administration of targeting his family and businesses in a deliberate campaign of harassment.
“Your business, everything you’re involved in, is being dismantled. What I’ve faced; what I go through; what my family goes through; you won’t even believe I could still be standing and going around this country,” Obi stated.
Despite these challenges, Obi vowed to remain steadfast in opposing Tinubu’s government, citing alleged corruption. “But I’ve made up my mind that if this is the end, so be it,” he declared.
Obi also urged the president to connect with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians by touring the country.
“Endeavour to travel by road to observe the condition of most highways. You can take short trips, for example, from Calabar in Cross River state to Uyo in Akwa Ibom state, a distance of less than 100 km, or from Benin in Edo state to Warri in Delta state.”
Drawing from his experience as Anambra governor, Obi recalled how a road trip with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo led to immediate action on federal highways in the state. “Such actions are immensely valuable,” he noted.
Obi also reminded Tinubu that “as president, you are no longer the governor of Lagos state,” urging him to spend holidays in various parts of the country, including Adamawa, Sokoto, Jos, Akure, Yenagoa, and Abakaliki.
He further challenged Tinubu to ensure future elections are credible and reflect the will of the people, describing it as the “single most challenging test” for his administration.
In response, the ruling All Progressives Congress accused Obi of inciting the public against Tinubu, claiming the president is improving the nation’s fortunes. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party criticized Tinubu’s government as suppressive and exploitative.
The presidency has yet to comment on Obi’s allegations.
