The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi over his recent comments on party defections, with presidential aide Bayo Onanuga describing him as an “opportunistic and inconsistent politician.”

Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, made the remarks while reacting to Obi’s interview on Arise TV, where the former Anambra State governor addressed his history of political defections.

During the interview, Obi defended his movement across political parties, stating that his decisions were guided by principle rather than personal ambition. He maintained that he would not hesitate to leave any political platform, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), if it failed to uphold transparency and credible internal processes. “I don’t have a long time in politics.

If I have to move twenty times, I will do it,” Obi said, emphasising his commitment to what he described as doing the right thing. Reacting, Onanuga faulted Obi’s position, arguing that his repeated party switches reinforce a pattern of inconsistency.

He noted that Obi had previously been affiliated with multiple parties, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party. According to the presidential aide, such a track record undermines claims of principled politics and raises questions about political stability and ideological consistency.

The exchange highlights growing political tensions as actors begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts say defections and party realignments are likely to intensify in the coming months as opposition figures and ruling party stakeholders recalibrate their strategies.

Neither Obi nor his media team had issued an official response to Onanuga’s remarks as of the time of filing this report.