Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has dismissed claims linking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting the issues are self-inflicted.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday titled “My response to Peter Obi’s media people,” Onanuga criticised politicians for blaming Tinubu for internal party problems.

“I wonder why all these incompetent politicians are turning President Bola Tinubu into their favourite whipping boy,” he wrote.

Onanuga also took aim at Peter Obi, accusing him of abandoning the Labour Party after using it to contest the 2023 presidential election.

“After using the Labour Party to vie for the highest office in the country, Obi dumped it in a classic case of use-and-dump,” he said.

He argued that Obi failed to build a strong political structure, describing the Obidient movement as more active online than institutionally grounded.

“You would think the man would transform the movement into a political party. But no, he didn’t do any such thing. He is just incapable of building an organic party of his own,” Onanuga added.

The presidential aide further claimed that Obi joined the ADC in search of an existing political platform to pursue his presidential ambition, which he described as “doomed.”

He also alleged that the party had been effectively taken over by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from Ralph Nwosu, attributing the current crisis to poor internal management.

Reiterating his position, Onanuga insisted that Tinubu has no connection to the ADC’s internal disputes.

“What is the connection of Tinubu with the ADC crisis? Absolutely none. Whatever problem they have is self-inflicted,” he said.

He urged Obi and his allies to focus on resolving their internal issues, including reconciling with aggrieved party members such as Nafiu Gombe.

Onanuga also questioned Obi’s political relevance ahead of the 2027 elections, stating that he remains inconsequential without securing a party ticket.

“As of now, Obi, without being made a candidate, is inconsequential for 2027,” he said.

He concluded by defending Tinubu’s record in office, noting that the president has achievements to showcase and dismissing criticisms as unfair attempts to undermine his democratic credentials.