A former media aide to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of destroying anything he touches.
Onochie, in a post on 𝕏 on Thursday, said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost its strength under Tinubu’s leadership.
The former presidential assistant also argued that Tinubu has no clear road to victory in the 2027 presidential race.
Writing on her 𝕏 account, Onochie stated the APC was no longer the party it used to be.
She wrote, “Whatever @officialABAT touches. He destroys. APC is gone.
“Tinubu has no pathway to 2027. He is gone. Tinubu is Gone. God bless Nigeria. Lauretta Onochie @Laurestar.”
Her comment followed an Artificial Intelligence-generated film showing the late Buhari interrogating Tinubu on how he had fared with the APC.
The video, which spread online, appears to have prompted emotions among fans and critics of the President.
It was claimed that Onochie’s declaration comes as political alignments and criticisms continue to build pace ahead of the 2027 national elections.
The APC, which produced Tinubu as President in 2023, is set to pursue another term in office in 2027.
However, opposition groups and political actors have continued to strengthen talks and coalition-building activities targeted at defeating the ruling party in the next presidential election.
Although the APC presently controls 31 states through elected governors and defectors, critics of the administration have argued that economic hardship, insecurity and internal party rivalries may hurt the party’s chances in 2027.
Onochie, who served as a media advisor under Buhari, has in recent times adopted positions critical of Tinubu and the APC.
Her latest criticism adds to escalating public debates among politicians, former government officials and party supporters as the next election cycle progressively takes shape.
As of the time of reporting this story, the APC and the Presidency have not to provide an official reaction to Onochie’s claim.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, May 20, said some persons harmed by his administration’s reforms in the foreign currency and oil subsidy sectors were wishing him dead.
Tinubu said the decision to terminate multiple exchange rates and withdraw petrol subsidies had angered powerful interests that profited from the old system.
The President addressed in Lagos at the presentation of the book, “The NADECO Story,” written by Chief Ayo Opadokun.
The ceremony also featured the distribution of awards to those who played crucial roles in Nigeria’s democracy movement under the National democracy Coalition between 1994 and 1998.
Tinubu was represented at the event by a former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
Delivering Tinubu’s message, Osoba said the President was aware of alleged measures by various interests to disrupt peace in the country because of his economic reforms.
According to him, individuals who gained from foreign exchange round-tripping and gas subsidy payments were displeased with the administration’s policy.
“As for security, he says, I should let you know that he is aware that there is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of this country by people whom he knew he had offended by cancelling multiple exchange rates and by cancelling oil subsidies,” Osoba stated.
“He said those cabals who are doing round-tripping will wish him dead any time, but he is determined that if that is the only thing he would do, he would make sure he rearranges the economy. No matter what, he is determined to face it. So that’s the word from Mr. President.”
Tinubu had, upon taking of office in 2023, declared the abolition of petrol subsidies and thereafter introduced foreign exchange reforms, including the unification of exchange rates.
The measures have continued to spark discussion across the country, with the government arguing that they were required to stabilise the economy, while many Nigerians have complained about growing living costs.
Osoba said Tinubu praised the contributions of NADECO members to the return of democracy in Nigeria and assured them that their roles in the battle would not be forgotten.
