An Ebonyi-born social commentator and political analyst, Lawrence Egede, has cautioned presidential aides against what he described as the “degradation of national political discourse,” urging them to avoid inflammatory remarks and focus on governance and issue-based engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Egede was reacting to recent comments credited to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who dismissed the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as lacking the political strength, leadership credentials and governance record to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Onanuga had also described Obi as a “copy-and-paste politician,” while comparing his tenure as governor of Anambra State with Tinubu’s administration in Lagos State, insisting that the President remained politically and administratively superior.
However, Egede faulted the remarks, saying they reflect a growing trend of politically charged rhetoric from government officials that could undermine constructive democratic engagement.
He said the presidential election should be viewed as a democratic contest of ideas and leadership, not a personal confrontation or a platform for political denigration.
“Obi is only contesting a presidential election. It is a democratic competition, not a war. Such inferiority-complex political statements should be avoided in national discourse,” Egede said.
He stressed that the Office of the President should not appear threatened by opposition participation, noting that electoral competition is a fundamental feature of democracy.
According to him, political communication from public office holders should reflect maturity, restraint and a commitment to national unity.
Egede likened political competition to business advertising, arguing that effective communication in competitive environments should focus on self-improvement rather than attacks on rivals.
“Business advertising is meant to improve one’s product quality and market appeal, not to disparage competing brands. The same principle should guide political engagement,” he added.
The analyst further maintained that Obi’s presidential ambition should not be misrepresented or politicised along ethnic or personal lines, stressing that he remains a legitimate participant in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He also urged the Presidency to concentrate on governance delivery and national development rather than engaging in exchanges that could heighten political tensions.
“I am disappointed that the focus is shifting from governance to unnecessary political exchanges. The government should improve national governance and allow performance to speak for itself,” he said.
Egede warned that escalating political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections could further polarise the country if not managed with caution and statesmanship.
He called for restraint among political actors, urging a shift toward issue-based campaigning and respect for democratic participation as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The exchange came amid rising political tensions and verbal sparring between government officials and opposition figures as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the next general election cycle.
Obi, who was the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has continued to emphasize accountability, fiscal discipline and good governance, while his supporters maintain that his record as governor of Anambra State remains a key reference point in Nigeria’s political discourse.
