Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, has said the current administration does not fear Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dare, however, described Obi as a formidable political opponent and a significant challenge, while insisting that President Tinubu’s administration has no reason to fear him.
Speaking on the latest edition of the Mic On Podcast, the presidential aide argued that the Tinubu administration is delivering on its mandate.
He said: “This government is not afraid of Peter Obi, the same right he has to ask Tinubu to resign is the same right the government has to respond to him that the president will not resign, there is no basis or reason for the president to resign.
“The right that the government has to educate to say that you need to go back to school, we run a presidential system, we have elections every four years and not just for the president but for the Senate and House of Representatives.
“That’s where you can go back for the citizens, so nobody is afraid of Peter Obi.
“He is not a nightmare, maybe before, Peter Obi was a threat, but right now, Peter Obi is no threat because we stand on solid ground of performance.
“We are able to interrogate the problems of this country. Peter Obi will not defeat President Tinubu in Lagos again.”
‘I Won’t Be Forced Out’ — Tinubu Vows
Meanwhile, president Tinubu has vowed that he will run for a second term, insisting that rising insecurity in parts of the country will not force him out of office.
Tinubu made his bold stance while hosting Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and other Plateau State stakeholders.
Mr president also claimed that anyone trying to use the nation’s security issues against his government was supporting the goals of hostile groups and his political rivals.
He said, “You are playing to the hand of agents, including my own enemies, who want to use insecurity to get rid of me.”
Additionally, he described himself as a determined politician and stated that he stayed unwavering in the face of growing criticism over security issues.
He noted, “I’m a very stubborn politician. I just refuse to go. And I will campaign for my second term.”
Read Also: Presidency of Nigeria accuses Peter Obi of reacting negatively whenever Nigeria records progress
‘They’re Desperate to Stop Me’ — Peter Obi Speaks on 2027 Race
The presidency’s remarks comes shortly after Peter Obi claimed that forces within the APC led Federal Government are working against him to stop him from contesting for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Friday as a guest speaker at a leadership programme organised by NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Obi claimed efforts were underway to stop his participation in the next election, Daily Post reports.
He said, “If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination.
Read Also: ‘Follow Starmer’s Example’ — Peter Obi Tells Tinubu to Step Down
