Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has issued a scathing rebuke of a viral social media post that compared Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the late Singaporean statesman, Lee Kuan Yew.
The post, made by education entrepreneur and influencer Alex Onyia on X (formerly Twitter), read:
“Peter Obi is like Lee Kwan Yu of Singapore. Leaders like him come once in a generation.”
While the statement attracted applause from Obi supporters and trended widely on social media platforms, it triggered a sharp response from Onanuga, who described the comparison as both historically inaccurate and deeply offensive to the sensibilities of Nigerians.
Responding directly under Onyia’s post on Tuesday morning, Onanuga wrote:
“I find posts like Onyia’s very amusing. He is possibly posting for some idiots to gobble everything he says. How can anyone in his right senses compare Peter Obi with the late Singaporean leader, Lee Kuan Yew—a name Onyia couldn’t even spell correctly?”
Lee Kuan Yew, widely regarded as a transformational leader, served as Prime Minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990. Under his leadership, Singapore transitioned from a poor, underdeveloped island into one of the world’s most prosperous and orderly nations. His tenure is often cited for strong anti-corruption stances, disciplined governance, economic planning, and meritocratic policies.
Onanuga argued that Peter Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014 fell far short of the standards set by someone like Lee.
“Peter Obi was not an exemplary governor of Anambra. He didn’t show any vision of development. He did not build a single classroom, as has been stated irrefutably. Indeed, he left Awka, the state capital, worse than he met it,” Onanuga asserted.
To underscore his point, the presidential aide quoted a Yoruba proverb:
“If a man wants to be sharp and bright, he shows the traits in infancy.”
He concluded by accusing Onyia of peddling what he termed an “egregious joke” and called on him to withdraw the post.
“Delete your egregious joke. You have insulted Nigerians.”
The exchange has since ignited renewed debate over Peter Obi’s legacy and leadership credentials, particularly among Nigerian youths and political observers still energized by his unexpectedly strong showing in the 2023 presidential election.
While critics argue that Obi’s record lacks transformational achievement, his supporters continue to highlight his reputation for fiscal discipline, modest lifestyle, and relative transparency during his tenure as governor.
As Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections, political comparisons like this—especially to global figures like Lee Kuan Yew—are expected to further deepen partisan divisions and trigger intense public reactions.
