By Erewunmi Peace

Temitope Ajayi, a senior special assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has stirred fresh political debate with a sharp rebuke directed at former presidential candidate Peter Obi. In a recent social media post, Ajayi criticized Obi’s persistent public commentary on the state of the nation, suggesting that Obi misunderstands the responsibilities of the presidency.

“Mr. Peter Obi thinks that the job of the President of Nigeria is to wake up every day, wear sackcloth, and bemoan the fate of the country,” Ajayi wrote on his verified Facebook account.

The remark has since gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians across party lines. Supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) view it as a defense of the administration’s efforts amidst economic and security challenges, while critics argue that it dismisses legitimate concerns raised by the opposition.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flag bearer, has remained vocal about governance issues, including inflation, insecurity, and youth unemployment. His regular public interventions, both on social media and at public forums, have gained him a reputation as a relentless watchdog of the ruling party.

While Obi has yet to respond directly to Ajayi’s statement, sources close to the former Anambra State governor indicate that he remains undeterred in his commitment to “speaking truth to power.”

This exchange adds to the growing tension in Nigeria’s political space as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections. Analysts say the back-and-forth between Tinubu’s aides and key opposition figures like Obi could shape the national discourse in the months ahead.

As Nigerians continue to grapple with economic and security issues, citizens await not just words, but measurable actions from all political actors.