Onanuga rubbishes ADC coalition, says group built on hatred for Tinubu

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has slammed the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the group lacks ideology and is driven only by a shared hatred for President Bola Tinubu.

The coalition, unveiled on Wednesday, features former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai.

Reacting on Thursday via his X handle, Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, described the coalition as “a gathering of political desperados.”

He accused them of chasing personal ambition rather than presenting a credible alternative for Nigerians.

“Some of those parading themselves as APC members left the party long ago,” Onanuga said. “The public must not be fooled into believing the APC is mourning their exit.”

He specifically mentioned Amaechi, former AGF Abubakar Malami, ex-aviation minister Hadi Sirika, and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as individuals who have either left or been expelled from the APC.

He also named Kashim Imam and ex-APC national chairman John Odigie Oyegun as part of the group seeking a return to political relevance.

“A party built on bitterness toward one man cannot take Nigeria forward,” Onanuga said.

“These are not patriots. They’re power-hungry politicians who can’t afford four more years outside of government. Nigerians should beware.”

He added that the coalition would likely crumble under the weight of “personal ambition and internal contradictions.”

The ADC coalition was announced in Abuja on Tuesday, with Senator David Mark named National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

The group has vowed to challenge President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.